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iVo. 698 H, Rider Haggard 25 Cents 

Entered at the Post-Office at New York, as Sfecond-class Mail Matter. Issued Monthly. 
Subscription Price per Year, 12 Nos., $5.00. 

Extra 

ERIC BRICHTEYES 


3. Ncipcl 


BY 

H. EIDEK HAGGAED 

AUTHOR OP “she” “KING SOLOMON’S MINES” 

“the world’s desire” etc. 




NEW YORK 

HARPER & BROTHERS, PUBLISHERS 

May^ 1891 


H. RIDER HAGGARD’S STORIES. 


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ERIC BRIGHTE.YES 


B 'Movel 


4 

H. KIDEK HAGGAKD 

AUTHOR OP “she” “ KING SOLOMON’s MINES” 

“the world’s desire” etc. 




HARPER & BROTHERS, FRANKLIN SQUARE 


189 1 





V 



CONTENTS 


CHAPTER PAGE 

I. How Asmund the Priest Found Groa the Witch . . 1 

II. How Eric Told his Love to Gudruda in the Snow on 

COLDBACK 9 

III. How Asmund Bade Eric to his Yule Feast .... 19 

IV. How Eric Came down Golden Falls 28 

V. How Eric Won the Sword Whitefire 37 

VI. How Asmund the Priest was Betrothed to Unna . . 61 

VII. How Eric Went up Mosfell against Skallagrim the 

Baresark 60 

VIII. How OsPAKAR Blacktooth Found Eric Brighteyes and 

Skallagrim Lambstail on Horse-Head Heights - . 72 

IX. How SwANHiLD Dealt with Gudruda 82 

X. How Asmund Spoke with Swanhild 91 

XL How Swanhild Bade Farewell to Eric 100 

XII. How Eric was Outlawed and Sailed a-viking . . . Ill 

XIII. How Hall the Mate Cut the Grapnel Chain. . . . 123 

^XIV. How Eric Dreamed a Dream 132 

XV. How Eric Sat in London Town 147 

XVI. How Swanhild Walked the Seas 166 

XVII. How Asmund the Priest Wedded Unna, Thorod’s 

Daughter 164 

XVIIL How Earl Atli Found Eric and Skallagrim on the 

Southern Rocks of Straumey Isle 172 


IV 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER PAQB 

XIX. Hojv Roll the Half-witted Brought Tidings from 

Iceland 181 

XX. How Eric was Named anew 190 

XXI. How Hall of Lithdale Took Tidings to Iceland. . . 200 

XXII. How Eric Came Home again 208 

XXIII. How Eric was a Guest at the Wedding Feast of 

Gudruda the Fair 217 

XXIV. How THE Feast Went 226 

XXV. How THE Feast Ended 233 

XXVI. How Eric Ventured forth to Middalhof and What 

HE Found 242 

XXVII. How Gudruda Went up to Mosfell 261 

XXVIII. How SwANHiLD Won Tidings of Eric '.261 

XXIX. How Went the Bridal Night 272 

.XXX. How THE Dawn Came 286 

XXXI. How Eric Sent away his Folk from Mosfell. . . . 294 

XXXII. How Eric and Skallagrim Grew Fey 301 

XXXIII. How Eric and Skallagrim Fought their Last Great 

Fight 309 


EEIC BEIGHTEYES. 


Chapter I. 

HOW ASMUND THE PRIEST FOUND GROA THE WITCH. 

There lived a man in the south before Thangbrand, Willi- 
bald’s son, preached the White Christ in Iceland. He was 
named Eric Brighteyes, Thorgrimur’s son, and in those days 
there was no man like to him for strength, beauty, and dar- 
ing, for in all these things he was the very first. But in good 
luck he was not the first. 

There lived two women in the south, nigh to where the 
Westman Islands start above the sea. Gudruda the Fair was 
the name of the one, and Swanhild, named the Fatherless, 
Groa’s daughter, of the other. They were half-sisters, and in 
those days there were no women at all like to them, for of all 
women they were the most fair, though they had nothing in 
common save their blood and hate. 

New of Eric Brighteyes, of Gudruda the Fair, and of Swan- 
hild the Fatherless there- is a great tale to tell. 

The mothers of these two women were in labor with them 
on the self-same day, and in the self-same hour they saw the 
light. But Eric Brighteyes was their elder by five years. 
The father of Eric was Thorgrimur Iron Toe. He had been 
a mighty man, but in fighting with a Baresark, who fell upon 
him as he came up from sowing his wheat, his foot was hewn 
from under him, so that henceforth he went upon a wooden 
leg shod with iron. Nevertheless, standing on one leg and 
1 


2 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


leaning against a rock, he slew the Baresark, and for that folk 
gave him the greatest honor. He was a wealthy yeoman, slow 
to wrath, just, and rich in friends. Somewhat late in life he 
took to wife Saevuna, Thorod’s daughter. She was the best of 
women, strong in mind and second-sighted, and she could 
cover herself in her hair. But these two never loved each 
other overmuch, and they had but one child, Eric. 

The father of Gudruda was Asmund Asmundson, the priest 
of Middalhof. Of all men who lived in the south of Iceland 
in those days he was the wisest and the wealthiest, having 
many farms and much money out at interest, and, moreover, 
two ships of merchandise and one long ship of war. He had 
got his wealth by viking’s work, robbing the English coasts, 
and ill things were told of his doings in his youth on the sea, 
for he was a red-hand viking. Asmund was a handsome man, 
with blue eyes and a large beard, and was, moreover, very 
skilled in matters of law. He loved money much, and was 
feared of all. Nevertheless, he had many friends, for as he 
aged he grew more kindly. He had in marriage Gudruda, 
the daughter of Bjorn, who was very sweet and kindly of 
nature, so that they called her Gudruda the Gentle. Of this 
marriage there were two children, Bjorn and Gudruda the 
Fair ; but Bjorn grew up like to his father in his youth, strong 
and hard, and greedy of gain, while, save for her wonderful 
beauty, Gudruda was her mother’s child alone. 

The mother of Swanhild the Fatherless was Groa the Witch. 
She was a Finn, and it is told of her that the ship on which 
she sailed, trying to run under the lee of the Westman Isles 
in a great gale from the northeast, was dashed to pieces on a 
rock, and all those on board of her were caught in the net of 
Ran and drowned, except Groa alone, who was saved by her 
magic art. This at the least* is true, that, as Asmund the 
Priest rode down by the seashore on the morning after the 
gale, seeking for some strayed horses, he found a beauteous 
woman, who wore a purple cloak and a great girdle of gold, 
seated on a rock, combing her black hair and singing the 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


3 


while ; and, at her feet, washing to and fro in a pool, was a 
dead man. He ash'ed whence she came, and she made an- 
swer, 

“ Out of the Swan’s Bath.” 

Next he asked her where were her kin ? But, pointing to 
the dead man, she said that this alone was left of them. 

“ Who, then, was the man ?” asked Asmund the Priest. 

She laughed again and sang this song — 

“ Groa comes up from the Swan's Bath, 

Death Gods hold the Dead Man’s hand, 

Yonder' lies her luckless husband, 

Bolder viking ne’er swung sword ! 

Asmund take the kirtle-wearer, 

For last night the Norns were crying. 

And Groa thought they sang of thee ; 

Yea, sang of thee and babes unborn,” 

“ How knQwest thou my name ?” asked Asmund. 

“ The sea-mews cried it as the ship sank, thine and others 
— and they shall be heard in a deathless story.” 

“ Then that'is the best of luck,” quoth Asmund ; but me- 
thinks that thou art fey.” 

“ Ay,” she answered, “ fey and fair.” 

“ Tru^ enough, thou art fair. What shall we do with this 
dead man ?” 

“ Leave him in the arms of Ran. So may all husbands lie.” 

Then he spoke no more with her at that time, seeing that 
she was a witchwoman, But Asmund took her up to Mid- 
dalhof and gave her a farm, and there ^she lived alone, and he 
profited much by her wisdom. 

Now it chanced that Gudruda the Gentle was with child, 
and when her time came she gave a daughter birth — a very 
fair girl, with black eyes. On the same day Groa, the witch- 
woman, brought forth a girl child, and folk wondered greatly 
who was its father, for Groa was no man’s wife. It was 
women’s talk that Asmund the Priest was the father of this 
love child also ; but when he heard it he was angered, and 


4 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


said that no witchwoman should bear bairn of his, howsoever 
fair she was. Nevertheless, it was said even then that the 
child was his, and it is certain that he loved it as a man loves 
his own ; but of all things this is the hardest to know. When 
Groa was questioned she laughed darkly, as was her fashion, 
and said that she knew nothing of it, never having seen the 
face of the child’s father, who rose out of the sea at night. 
And for this cause some held him to have been a wizard or 
the wraith of her dead husband; but others, said that Groa 
lied, as many women have done on such matters. And of all 
this talk the child alone remained, and she was named Swan- 
hild. 

Now, but an hour before the child of Gudruda the Gentle 
was born, Asmund went up from his house to the temple, to 
tend the holy fire that burned night and day upon the altar. 
When he had tended the fire he sat down upon the cross- 
benches before the shrine, and, gazing on the image of the 
goddess Freya, he fell asleep and dreamed a very evil dream. 

He dreamed that Gudruda the Gentle bore a dove most 

• 

beautiful to see, for all its feathers were of silver, but that 
Groa the Witch bore a golden snake. And the snake and the 
dove dwelt together, and ever the snake sought to slay the 
dove. At length there came a great white swan flying over 
Coldback Fell, and its tongue was a sharp sword. Now the 
swan saw the dove and loved it, and the dove loved the swan ; 
but the snake reared itself and hissed, and sought to slay the 
dove. But the swan covered her with his wings, and beat the 
snake away. Then he, Asmund, came forth and drove away 
the swan, as the swan had driven the snake, and it wheeled 
high into the air and flew south, and the snake swam away 
also through the sea. But the dove drooped, and now it was 
blind. Then an eagle came from the north, and would have 
taken the dove, but it fled round and round, crying, and ever 
the eagle drew more near to it. At length, lo, from the south 
the swan came back, flying heavily, and about its neck was 
twined the golden snake, and with it came a raven. And it 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


5 


saw the eagle, and loud it trumpeted, and shook the snake 
from it so that it fell like a gleam of gold into the sea. Then 
the eagle and the swan met in battle, and the swan drave the 
eagle down and brake it with his wings, and, flying to the 
dove, comforted it. But those in the house ran out and shot 
at the swan with bows and drave it away, but now he, As- 
mund, was not with them. And once more the dove drooped. 
Again the swan came back, and with it the raven, and a great 
host were gathered against them, and among them all As- 
mund’s kith and kin and all the men of his quarter, and his 
priesthood, and many whom he did not know by face. And 
the swan flew at Bjorn, his son, and shot out the sword of its 
tongue and slew him, and many a man it slew thus. And the 
raven, with a beak and claws of steel, slew also many a man, 
so that Asmund’s kindred fled, and the swan slept by the dove. 
But as it slept the golden snake crawled out of the sea, and 
hissed in the ears of men, and they rose up to follow it. It 
came to the swan and twined itself about its neck. It struck 
at the dove and slew it. Then the swan -awoke and awoke 
the raven, and did battle mightily till all who remained of 
Asmund’s kindred and people were dead. But still the snake 
clung about the swan’s neck, and presently snake and swan 
fell into the sea, and far out on the sea there burned a flame 
of Are. And Asmund awoke trembling and left the temple. 

Now as he left, a woman came running, and weeping as she 
ran. 

“ Haste, haste,” she cried, “ a daughter is born to thee, and 
Gudruda thy wife is dying !” 

“ Is it so ?” said Asmund ; “ after ill dreams ill tidings.” 

Now in the bed-closet off the great hall of Middalhof lay 
Gudruda the Gentle, and she was dying. 

“ Art thou there, husband ?” she said. 

“ Even so, wife.” 

“ Thou comest in an evil hour, for it is my last. Now 
hearken. Take thou the new-born babe within thine arms, and 
kiss it, and pour water over it, and name it with my name.” 


6 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


This he did. 

Hearken, my husband. I have been a good wife to thee, 
though not all good hast thou been to me. But thus shalt 
thou atone ; thou shalt swear that, though she is a girl, thou 
wilt not cast this bairn forth to perish, but wilt cherish and 
nurture her.” 

“ I swear it,” he said. 

“ And thou shalt swear that thou wilt not take the witch- 
woman, Groa, to wife, nor have aught to do with her, and this 
for thine own sake ; for, if thou dost, she will be thy death. 
Dost thou swear ?” 

“ I swear it,” he said. 

“ It is well ; but, husband, if thou dost break thine oath, 
either in words or in the spirit of the words, evil shall over- 
take thee and all thine house. Now bid me farewell, for I 
die.” 

He bent over her and kissed her, and it is said that As- 
mund wept in that hour, for after his fashion he loved his 
wife. 

“ Give me the babe,” she said, “ that it may lie once upon 
my breast.” 

They gave her the babe and she looked upon its dark eyes 
and said, 

“ Fairest of women shalt thou be, Gudruda — fair as no 
woman in Iceland ever was before thee ; and thou shalt love 
with a mighty love — and thou shalt lose — and, losing, thou 
shalt find again.” 

Now, it is said that as she spoke these words her face grew 
bright as a spirit’s, and, having spoken, she fell back dead. 
And they laid her in earth, but Asmund mourned her sore. 

Nevertheless, when all was over and done, the dream that 
he had dreamed lay heavy on him. Now, of all diviners of 
dreams, Groa was the most gifted, and when Gudruda had 
been in earth seven full days he went to her, though doubt- 
fully, because of his oath. 

He came to the house and entered. On a couch in the 


ERIC BRIGHTEYE8. 


7 


chamber lay Groa, and her babe was on her breast, and she 
was wondrous fair to see. 

“ Greeting, lord !” she said. “ What wouldst thou here ?” 

“ I have dreamed a dream, and thou alone canst read it.” 

“ That is as it may be,” she answered. “ It is true that I 
have some skill in dreams. At the least I will hear it.” 

Then he unfolded it to her, every word. 

“ What wilt thou give me if I read thy dreams ?” she said. 

“ What dost thou ask ? Methinks I have given tUee much.” 

“ Yea, lord,” and she looked at the babe upon her breast. 
“ I ask but a little thing ; that thou shalt take this bairn in 
thy arms, pour water over it, and name it.” 

“ Men will talk if I do this, for it is the father’s part.” 

“ So ! It is a little thing what men say ; talk goes by as 
the wind. Moreover, thou shalt give them the lie in the name, 
for it shall be Swanhild the Fatherless. Nevertheless, that is 
my price. Pay it if thou wilt.” 

“ Read me the dream and I will name the child.” 

“ Nay, name thou first the babe ; for then no harm shall 
come to her at thy hands.” 

So he took the child, poured water over her, and named her. 

Then Groa spoke : “ This, lord, is the reading of thy dream, 
else my wisdom is at fault : The silver dove is thy daughter 
Gudruda, the golden snake is my daughter Swanhild, and 
these two shall hate one the other and strive against each 
other. But the swan is a mighty man whom both shall love, 
and, if he love not both, yet» he shall be to both. And thou 
shalt send him away, but he shall return and bring bad luck 
to thee and thy house, and thy daughter shall be blind with 
love of him. And in the end he shall slay the eagle, a great 
lord from the north who shall seek to wed thy daughter, and 
many another shall he slay, with the help of that raven with 
the bill of steel who shall be with him. But Swanhild shall 
triumph o’er thy daughter Gudruda, and this man, and the 
two of them, shall die at her hands, and, for the rest, who 
can say ? But this is true — that the mighty man shall bring 


8 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


all thy race utterly to an end. See now, I have read thy 
rede.” 

Then Asmund was very wroth. “ Thou wast wise to be- 
guile me to name thy bastard brat,” he said ; “ else had I been 
its death within this hour.” 

“ This thou canst not do, lord, seeing that thou hast held it 
in thy arms,” she made answer, laughing. “Go rather and 
lay out Gudruda the Fair on Coldback Hill ; so shalt thou 
make an end of the evil, for Gudruda shall be its very root. 
Learn this, moreover, that thy dream does not tell it all, see- 
ing that thou thyself must play a part therein. Go, send 
forth the babe and be at rest.” 

“ That cannot be, for I have sworn to cherish it, and with 
an oath that may not be broken.” 

“ It is well,” laughed Groa. “ Things will befall as they 
are fated ; let them befall in their season. There is room for 
cairns on Coldback, and the sea can hold its dead !” 

And Asmund went thence, angered at heart. 


Chapter II. 


HOW ERIC TOLD HIS LOVE TO GUDRUDA IN THE SNOW ON 
COLDBACK. 

Now, it must be told that, five years before the day of the 
death of Gudruda the Gentle, Saevuna, the wife of Thorgri- 
mur Iron-Toe, gave birth to a son at Coldback in the marsh, 
on Ran River, and when his father came to look upon the 
child he called out aloud : 

“ A wondrous bairn have we here, for his hair is yellow like 
gold, and his eyes shine bright as stars.” And he named him 
Eric Brighteyes. 

Now, Coldback is but an hour’s ride from Middalhof, and 
it chanced, in after-years, that Thorgrimur went up to Mid- 
dalhof to keep the Yule feast and worship in the temple, for 
he was in the priesthood of Asmund Asmundson, bringing 
the boy Eric with him. There also was Groa with Swanhild, 
for now she dwelt at Middalhof ; and the three fair children 
were set together in the hall to play, and men thought it the 
greatest sport to see them. Now, Gudruda had a horse of 
wood, and would ride it while Eric pushed the horse along. 
But Swanhild smote her from the horse and called to Eric to 
make it move ; but he comforted Gudruda and would not, and 
at that she was angry and lisped forth : 

“ Push thou must, if I will it.” 

Thereon he pushed sideways and with such good will that 
she fell almost into the fire of the hearth, and, leaping up, she 
snatched a brand and threw it at Gudruda, firing her clothes. 
Then men laughed; but Groa, standing apart, frowned and 
muttered runes. 


10 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


“ Why lookest thou so dark, housekeeper ?” said Asmund ; 
“ the boy is bonny and high of mind.” 

“ Ah, he is bonny as no child is, and bonny he shall be all 
his life-days. Nevertheless, he shall not stand against his ill 
luck. This I prophesy of him ; that woman shall bring him 
to his end, and he shall die a hero’s death, but not at the hand 
of his foes.” 

And now the years go by and all is tidingless. Groa dwelt 
with her daughter Swanhild up at Middalhof and was the love 
of Asmund Asraundson. But, though he forgot his oath thus 
far, yet he would never take her to wife. And the witch wife 
was angered at this, and she schemed and plotted much to 
bring it about that Asmund should wed her. But still he 
would not, though in all things else she led him as it were 
a halter. 

Twenty full years had gone by since Gudruda the Gentle 
was laid in the earth ; and now Gudruda the Fair and Swan- 
hild the Fatherless were women grown. Eric, too, was a man 
of five-and-twenty years, and no suc*h man has lived in Ice- 
land. For he was strong and great of stature, his hair was 
yellow like gold, and his gray eyes shone with the light of 
swords. He was gentle and loving as a woman, and even as 
a lad his strength was the strength of two men ; and there 
were none in all the quarter who could leap or swim or wrestle 
against Eric Brighteyes. Men held him in honor and spoke 
well of him, though as yet he had done no deeds, but lived at 
home on Coldback, helping with the farm, for now Thorgri- 
mur Iron-Toe, his father, was dead. But women loved him 
sore, and that was his bane — for of all women he loved but 
one, Gudruda the Fair, Asmund’s daughter. He loved her 
from a child, and her alone till his day of death, and she, too, 
loved him and him only. For now Gudruda was a maid of 
maids, most beautiful to see and sweet to hear. Her hair, 
like the hair of Eric, was golden, and she was as white as the 
snow on Hecla ; but her eyes were large and dark, and black 
lashes drooped above them. For the rest she was tall and 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


11 


strong and comely, merry of face, yet tender, and tlie most 
witty of women. 

Swanhild also was very fair ; she was slender, small of limb, 
and dark of hue, having eyes blue as the deep sea, and brown, 
curling hair, enough to veil her to the knees, and a mind of 
which none knew the end, for, though she was open in her 
talk, her thoughts were dark and secret. This was her joy: 
to draw the hearts of men to her and then to mock them. She 
beguiled many in this fashion, for she was the cunningest girl 
in matters of love, and she knew well the arts of women, with 
which they bring men to nothing. Nevertheless, she was 
cold at heart, and desired power and wealth greatly, and" she 
studied magic much, of which her mother, Groa, also had a 
^ store. But she, too, loved a man, and that was the joint in 
'* er harness whereby the shaft of fate entered her heart, for 
that man was Eric Brighteyes, who loved her not. But she 
desired him so sorely that, without him, all the world was 
dark to her, and her soul but as a ship driven rudderless upon 
a winter night. Therefore she put out all her strength to win 
him, and bent her witcheries upon him, and they were not few 
nor small. Nevertheless, they went by him like the wind, for he 
dreamed ever of Gudruda alone, and he saw no eyes but hers, 
though as yet they spake no word of love one to the other. 

But Swanhild in her wrath took counsel with her mother 
Groa, though there was little liking between them ; and, when 
she had heard the maiden’s talk, Groa laughed aloud : 

“ Dost think me blind, girl,” she said ; “ all of this I have 
seen, yea and foreseen, and I tell thee thou art mad. Let this 
yeoman Eric go and I will find thee finer fowl to fly at.” 

“Nay, that I will not,” quoth Swanhild, “for I love this 
man alone, and I would win him ; and Gudruda I hate, and I 
would overthrow her. Give me of thy counsel.” 

Groa laughed again : “ Things must be as they are fated. 
This now is my rede : Asmund would turn Gudruda’s beauty 
to account, and that man must be rich in friends and money 
who gets her to wife, and in this matter the mind of Bjorn is 


12 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


as the mind of his father. Now we will watch, and, when a 
good time chances, we will bear tales of Gudruda to Asmund 
and to her brother Bjorn, and swear that she oversteps her 
modesty with Eric. Then shall Asmund be wroth and drive 
Eric from Gudruda’s side. Meanwhile, I will do this : In the 
North there dwells a man mighty in all things and blown up 
with pride. He is named Ospakar Blacktooth. His wife is 
but lately dead, and he has sworn that he will wed the fairest 
maid in Iceland. Now, it is in my mind to send Roll the 
Half-witted, my thrall, whom Asmund gave me, to Ospakar, as 
though by chance. He is a great talker and very clever, for 
in his half-wits are more cunning than in the brains of most ; 
and he shall so bepraise Gudruda’s beauty that Ospakar shall 
come hither to ask her in marriage ; and in this fashion, if 
things go well, thou shalt be rid of thy rival, and I of one 
who looks scornfully upon me. But, if this fail, then there 
are two roads left on which strong feet may travel to their 
end ; and of these, one is that thou shouldst win Eric away 
with thine own beauty, and that is not little. All men are 
frail, and I have a draught that will make the heart as wax; 
but yet the other path is surer.” 

“ And what is that path, my mother ?” 

“ It runs through blood to blackness. By thy side is a 
knife and in Gudruda’s bosom beats a heart. Dead w'omen 
are unmeet for love !” 

Swanhild tossed her head and looked upon the dark face of 
Groa, her mother. 

“ Methinks, with such an end to win, I should not fear to 
tread that path, if there be need, my mother.” 

“ Now I see thou art indeed my daughter. Happiness is 
to the bold. To each it comes in uncertain shape. Some 
love power, some wealth, and some — a man. Take that which 
thou lovest — I say, cut thy path to it and take it ; else shall 
thy life be but a weariness; for what boots it to win the 
wealth and power when thou lovest a man alone, or the man 
when thou dost desire gold and the pride of place ? This is 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


13 


wisdom : to satisfy the longing of thy youth ; for age creeps 
on apace and beyond is darkness. Therefore, if thou seekest 
this man, and Gudruda blocks thy path, slay her, girl — by 
witchcraft or by steel — and take him, and in his arms forget 
that thine own are red. But first let us try the easier plan. 
Daughter, I too hate this proud girl, who scorns me as her 
father’s light-of-love. I, too, long to see that bright head of 
hers dull with the dust of death, or, at the least, those proud 
eyes weeping tears of shame as the man she hates leads her 
hence a bride. Were it not for her I should be Asmund’s 
wife, and, when she is gone, with thy help — for he loves thee 
much and has cause to love thee — this I may be yet. So in 
this matter let us go hand in hand and match our wit against 
her innocence.” 

“ So be it,” said S wanhild. “ Fail me not, and fear not that 
I shall fail thee.” 

Now Roll the Half-witted went upon his errand, and the 
time passed till it lacked but a month of Yule, and men sat 
indoors, for the season was dark and much snow fell. At 
length came frost, and with it a clear sky, and Gudruda, ceas- 
ing from her spinning in the hall, went to the woman’s porch, 
and, looking forth, saw that the snow was hard, and a great 
longing came upon her to breathe the fresh air, for there was 
still an hour of daylight. So she threw a cloak about her and 
walked forth, taking the road toward Coldback in the marsh 
that is by Ran River. But Swanhild watched her till she was 
over the hill. Then she also took a cloak and followed on 
that path, for she ever watched Gudruda. 

Gudruda walked on for the half of an hour or so, when she 
became aware that clouds gathered in the sky, and that the air 
was heavy with snow to come. Seeing this, she turned home- 
ward, and Swanhild hid herself to let her pass. Now fiakes 
floated down as big and soft as fifa flowers. Quicker and 
more quick they came, till all the plain was one white maze 
of mist, but through it Gudruda walked on, and after lier 
crept Swanhild, like a shadow. And now the darkness gath- 


14 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


ered and the snow fell thick and fast, covering up the track of 
her footsteps, and she wandered from the path, and after her 
wandered Swanhild, being loath to show herself. For an 
hour or more Gudruda wandered, and then she called aloud, 
and her voice fell heavily against the cloak of snow. At the 
last she grew weary and affrighted, and sat down upon a 
shelving rock whence the snow had slipped away. Now, a lit- 
tle way behind was another rock, and there Swanhild sat, for she 
was minded to die unseen of Gudruda. So some time passed, 
and Swanhild waxed heavy as though with sleep, w'hen of a sud- 
den a moving thing loomed upon the snowy darkness. Then Gu- 
druda leaped to her feet and called. A man’s voice answered : 

“ Who passes there ?” 

“ I, Gudruda, Asmund’s daughter.” 

The form came nearer ; now Swanhild could hear the snort- 
ing of a horse, and now a man leaped from it, and that man 
was Eric Brighteyes. 

“ Is it thou indeed, Gudruda?” he said with a laugh, and his 
great form loomed darkly on the snow mist. 

“ Oh, is it thou, Eric ?” she made answer. “ Never was I 
more joyed to see thee ; for of a truth thou dost come in a 
good hour. A little while and I had seen thee no more, for 
my eyes grow heavy with the death-sleep.” 

“ Nay, say not so. Art lost, then ? ’ Why, so aiii 1. I 
came out to seek three horses that are strayed, ^nd was over- 
taken by the snow. May they dwell in Odin’s stables, for 
they have led me to thee. Art cold, Gudruda ?” 

“ But a little, Eric. Yea, there is place for thee here on the 
rock.” 

So he sat down by her on the stone, and Swanhild crept 
more near, for now all weariness had left her. But still the 
snow fell thick. 

“ It comes into my mind that w^e two shall die here,” said 
Gudruda, presently. 

“ Thinkest thou so ?” he answered. “ Well, I will say this, 
that I ask no better end.” 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


15 


“Jt is an ill end for thee, Eric ; to be choked in snow, and 
with all thy deeds to do.” 

“ It is a good end, Giidruda, to die at thy side, for so I 
shall die happy ; but I grieve for thee.” 

“ Grieve not for me, worse things might befall.” 

He drew nearer to her, and now he put his arm about her 
and clasped her to his bosom; nor did she say him nay. 
Swanhild saw and lifted herself up behind them, but for a 
while she heard naught but the beating of her heart. 

“Listen, Gudruda,” he said at last. “Death draws nigh 
to us, and before it comes I would speak to thee, if speak I 
may.” 

“ Speak on,” she whispers from his breast. 

“ This I would say, then : that I love thee, and that I ask 
no better fate than to die in thy arms.” 

“ First shalt thou see me die in thine, Eric.” 

“ Be sure, if that be so, I shall not tarry for long. Oh ! 
Gudruda, since I was a child I have loved thee with a mighty 
love, and now thou art all to me. Better so to die than to 
live without thee. Speak, then, while there is time.” 

“ I will not hide from thee, Eric, that thy words are sweet 
in my ears.” 

And now Gudruda sobs, and the tears fall fast from her dark 
eyes. 

“ Nay, weep not. Dost thou, then, love me ?” 

“ Ay, sure enough, Eric.” 

“Then kiss me before we pass. Not thus should a man 
die, and yet men have died worse.” 

And so these twain kissed, for the first time out in the snow 
on Coldback, and the first kiss was long and sweet. 

Swanhild heard, and her blood seethed within her as water 
seethes in a boiling spring when the fires wake beneath. She 
put her hand to her kirtle and gripped the knife at her side. 
Flalf she drew it, then drove it back. 

“ Cold kills as sure as steel,” she said in her heart. “ If I 
slay her I cannot save myself or him. Let us die in peace. 


16 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


and let the snow cover up our troubling.” And once more 
she listened. 

“ Ah, sweet,” said Eric, “ even in the midst of death there is; 
hope of life. Swear to me, then, that if by chance we live 
thou wilt love me always as thou lovest me now.” 

“ Ay, Eric, I swear that and readily.” 

“And swear, come what may, that thou wilt wed no man 
but me.” 

“ I swear that, if thou dost remain true to me, I will wed 
none but thee, Eric.” 

“ Then I am sure of thee.” 

“ Boast not overmuch, Eric ; if thou dost live, thy days are 
all before thee, and with time come trials.” 

Now the snow whirled down faster and more thick, till 
these two, clasped heart to heart, were but a heap of white, 
and all white was the horse, and Swanhild was well-nigh 
buried. 

“Where go we when we die, Eric?” said Gudruda; “in 
Odin’s house there is no place for maids, and how shall my 
feet fare without thee ?” 

“Nay, sweet, my May, Valhalla shuts its gates to me, a 
deedless man ; up Bifrost’s rainbow bridge I may not travel, 
for I die not with byrnie on breast and sword aloft. To Hela 
shall we go, hand in hand.” 

“ Art sure, Eric, that men find these abodes ? To say sooth, 
at times I misdoubt me of them.” 

“ I am not so sure but that I also doubt. Still, I know this : 
that where thou goest there shall I be, Gudruda.” 

“ Then things are well, and well work the Norns. Never- 
theless, Eric, of a sudden I grow fey, for it comes upon me 
that I shall not die to-night, but that, nevertheless, I shall die 
with thy arms about me, and at thy side. There, I see it on 
the snow ! I lie by thee sleeping, and one comes with hands 
outstretched and sleep falls from them like a mist — by 
Freya, it is Swanhild’s self ! Oh ! it is gone.” 

“ It was naught, Gudruda, but a vision of the snow — an 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


11 


untimely dream that comes before the sleep. I grow cold and 
mine eyes are heavy ; kiss me once again.” 

“ It was no dream, Eric, and ever I doubt me of Swanhild, 
for methinks she loves thee also, and she is fair and my en- 
emy,” says Gudruda, laying her snow-cold lips on his lips. 
“ Oh, Eric, awake ! awake ! See, the snow is done.” 

He stumbled to his feet and looked forth. Lo ! out across 
the sky flared the wild northern flres, throwing light upon the 
darkness. 

“ Now it seems that I know the land,” said Eric. “ Look : 
yonder are Golden Falls, though we heard them not because of 
the snow; and there, out at sea, loom the Westmans; and 
that dark thing, it is the Temple Hof, and behind it stands 
the stead. We are saved, Gudruda, and thus far indeed thou 
wast fey. Now rise, ere thy limbs stiffen, and I will set thee 
on the horse, if he still can run, and lead thee down to Mid- 
dalhof before the witchlights fail us.” 

“ So shall it be, Eric.” 

Now- he leads her to the horse, that, seeing its master, 
snorted, and shook the snow from its coot, for it was in no 
wise frozen, and set her on the saddle, and put his arm about 
her waist, and they passed slowly through the deep snow. 
And Swanhild, too, creeps from her place, for her burning 
rage had kept the life in her, and followed after them. Many 
times she fell, and once she was nearly swallowed of a drift 
of snow and cried out in fear : 

“ Who called aloud ?” said Eric, turning ; “ methought I 
heard a voice.” 

“ Nay,” answers Gudruda, “ it was but a night-hawk 
screaming.” 

Now Swanhild lay quiet in the drift, but in her heart she 
said : 

“Ay, a night-hawk that shall tear out those dark eyes of 
thine, my enemy.” 

The two pass on, and at length they come to the banked 
roadway that runs past the Temple to Asmund’s hall. Here 
2 


18 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


Swanhild leaves them, and, climbing over the turf wall into 
the home meadow, passes round the hall by the outbuildings, 
and so comes to the west end of the house, and enters by the 
man’s door unmarked of any. For all the folk, seeing a horse 
coming and a woman seated on it, were gathered in front of 
the hall. But Swanhild ran to that shut bed where she slept, 
and, closing the curtain, threw off her garments, shook the 
snow from her hair, and put on a linen kirtle. Then she 
rested a while, for she was weary, and, going to the kitchen, 
warmed herself at the fire. 

Meanwhile Eric and Gudruda came to the stead, and there 
Asmund greeted them well, for he was troubled in his heart 
about his daughter, and very glad to know her living, seeing 
that, because of the snow and the darkness, men had but now 
begun to search for her. 

Now Gudruda told her tale, but not all of it, and Asmund 
bade Eric to the house. Then one asked of Swanhild, and 
Eric said he had seen nothing of her, and Asmund was sad at 
this, for he loved Swanhild much. But as he bid all men go 
search, an old wife came and said that Swanhild was in the 
kitchen, and even as the carline spoke she came into the hall, 
all clad in white, very pale, and with shining eyes and fair to 
see. 

“ Whither hast thou been, Swanhild ?” said Asmund. “ I 
thought certainly thou wast perishing with Gudruda in the 
snow, and now all men go to seek thee while the witchlights 
burn.” 

“Nay, foster-father, I have been to the Temple,” she made 
answer, lying. “So Gudruda has but narrowly escaped the 
snow, thanks be to Brighteyes yonder ! Surely my heart is 
glad of it, for ill could we spare our sweet sister,” and, going 
up to her, she kissed her. But Gudruda saw that her eyes 
burned like fire, and felt that her lips were cold as ice, and 
shrank back wondering. 


Chapter III. 

HOW ASMUND BADE ERIC TO HIS YULE FEAST. 

Now it was supper-time, and men sat at meat while the 
women waited upon them. But as she went to and fro, sweet 
to see, Gudruda had eyes for Eric alone, and Swanhild 
watched them both. Supper being over, people gathered 
around the hearth, and, having finished her service, Gudruda 
came and sat by Eric, so that her sleeve might touch his arm. 
They spoke no word, but there they sat and were happy. 
Swanhild saw, and bit her lip. Now she was seated by 
Asmund and Bjorn, his son. 

In sooth, foster-father,” she said, “ yonder sit a pretty 
pair.” 

“ That cannot be gainsaid,” quoth Asmund. “ One may 
ride many days to see such another man as Eric Brighteyes, 
and no such maid as Gudruda flowers between Middalhof and 
London town, unless it be thou, Swanhild. Well, so her 
mother said that it should be, and without doubt she was 
foresighted at her death.” 

“ Nay, name me not with Gudruda, foster-father ; I am hut 
a gray goose by thy white swan. But these shall be well wed, 
and that will be a good match for Eric.” 

“ Let not thy tongue run on so fast,” said Asmund, sharp- 
ly. “ Who told thee that Eric should have Gudruda ?” 

“ None told me, hut, in truth, having eyes and ears, I grew 
sure of it. Look at them now ; surely lovers wear such a face.” 

Now it chanced that Gudruda had rested her chin on her 
hand, and was gazing into Eric’s eyes beneath the shadow of 
her hair. 


20 


ERIC BRIGHTEYE8. 


“ Methinks my sister will look higher than to wed a simple 
bonder, though he be large as two other men,” said Bjorn, 
with a sneer. Now Bjorn was jealous of Eric’s strength and 
beauty, and loved him not. 

“ Trust nothing that thou seest and little that thou hearest, 
girl,” said Asmund, raising himself from thought ; “ so shall 
thy guesses be good. Eric, come hither, and tell us how thou 
didst chance on Gudruda in the snow.” 

“ I was not so ill seated but that I could hear to stay,” 
grumbled Eric beneath his breath ; hut Gudruda said, “ Go.” 

So he went and told his tale ; hut not all of it, for he was 
minded to ask Gudruda in marriage on the morrow, though 
his heart prophesied no luck in the matter, and therefore he 
was not overswift with it. 

“ In this thing thou hast done me and mine good service,” 
said Asmund, coldly, searching Eric’s face with his blue eyes. 
“ It had been ill if my fair daughter had perished in the snow, 
for, know this : I would set her high in marriage, for her honor 
and the honor of my house, and so had some rich and noble 
man lost great joy. But take thou this gift in memory of the 
deed, and Gudruda’s husband shall give thee another such 
upon the day he makes her wife,” and he drew a gold ring off 
his arm. 

Now Eric’s knees trembled as he heard, and his heart grew 
faint as though with fear. But he spoke fair and straight : 

“ Thy gift had been better without thy words, ring-giver ; 
but I beg thee take it back, for I have done nothing to win it, 
though, perhaps, the time shall come when I ask thee for a 
richer.” 

“ My gifts have never been put away,” said Asmund, grow- 
ing angry. 

“ This wealthy bonder holds the good gold of little worth. 
It is foolish to take fish to the sea, my father,” sneered Bjorn. 

“ Nay, Bjorn, not so,” Eric answered ; “ but, as thou sayest, 
I am but a bonder, and since my father, Thorgrimur Iron-Toe, 
died, things have not gone over-well on Ran River. But at 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


21 


the least I am a free man, and I will take no gifts that I can- 
not repay worth for worth. Therefore I will not have the 
ring.” 

“ As thou wilt,” said Asmund. “ Pride is a good horse if 
thou ridest wisely,” and he thrust the ring back upon his arm. 

Now people go to rest ; but Swanhild seeks her mother, and 
tells her all that has befallen her, nor does Groa fail to listen. 

“ Now I will make a plan,” she says, “ for these things have 
chanced well, and Asmund is in ripe humor. Eric shall come 
no more to Middalhof till Gudruda is gone hence, led by Os- 
pakar Blacktootb.” 

“ And if Eric come not here, how shall I see his bonny face ? 
for, mother, I am fain of the sight of it.” 

“ That is thy matter, thou lovesick fool. Know this, that if 
Eric comes hither and gets speech with Gudruda, there is an 
end of thy hopes ; for, fair as thou art, she is too fair for 
thee, and strong as thou art, in a way she is too strong. Thou 
hast heard how these two love, and such a love mocks at the 
will of fathers. Eric will win his desire or die beneath the 
swords of Asmund and Bjorn, if such men can prevail against 
his might. Nay, the wolf Eric must be fenced from the lamb 
till he grows hungry. Then let him search the fold and make 
spoil of thee, for when the best is gone he will desire the 
good.” 

“ So be it, mother. As I sat crouched behind Gudruda in 
the snow at Coldback, I was half minded to end her love 
words with this knife, so should I have been free of her.” 

“ Ay, and fast in the doom ring, thou wildcat. The gods 
help this Eric, if thou winnest him. Nay, choose thy time, 
and, if thou must strike, strike secretly and home. Remem- 
ber, also, that cunning is mightier than strength, that lies 
pierce further than swords, and that witchcraft wins where 
honesty must fail. Now I will to Ashmund, and he shall be 
an angry man before to-morrow comes.” 

Then Groa went to the shut bed where Asmund the Priest 
slept. He was sitting on the bed, and asked her why she came. 


22 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


“For love of thee, Asmund, and thy house, though thou 
dost treat me ill, who hast profited so deeply by me and my 
foresight. Say, now, wilt thou that this daughter of thine, 
Gudruda the Fair, should be the light May of yonder long- 
legged yeoman 

“ That is not in my mind,” said Asmund, stroking his 
beard. 

“ So. Knowest thou that this very day your white Gudruda 
sat on Eric’s lap in the snow, while he fondled her to his 
heart’s content ?” 

“ Like enough it was for warmth. Men dream not on love 
in the hour of death. Who saw this ?” 

“ Swanhild, who was behind, and hid herself for shame, and 
therefore she held that these two must soon be wed ! Ah, 
thou art foolish now, Asmund. Young blood makes light of 
cold or death. Art thou blind, or dost thou not see that 
these two turn to each other as birds at nesting-time ?” 

“They might do worse,” said Asmund, “for they are a 
proper pair, and it is in my mind that each was born for 
each.” 

“ Then all goes well. Still, it is a pity to see so fair a maid 
cast like rotten bait upon the waters to hook this troutlet of a 
bonder. Thou hast enemies, Asmund ; thou art too prosper- 
ous, and there may be many who hate thee for thy state and 
wealth. W’^ere it not well to use this girl of thine to build a 
wall about thee against the evil day ?” 

“ I have been more wont, housekeeper, to trust to mine own 
arm than to bought friends. But tell me, for, at the least, 
thou art far-seeing, how may this be done? As things are, 
though I spoke roughly to him this night, I am minded to let 
Eric Brighteyes take her. I have always loved the lad, and 
he will go far.” 

“Listen, Asmund! Surely thou hast heard of Ospakar 
Blacktooth, the priest who dwells in the North ?” 

“ Ay, I have heard of him, and I know him ; there is no 
man 'like him for ugliness, or strength, or wealth and power. 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


23 


We sailed together on a viking cruise many years ago, and he 
did things at which my blood turned, and in those days I had 
no chicken-heart.” 

“ With time men change their temper. Unless I mistake, 
this Ospakar wills above all to have Gudruda in marriage, for, 
now that everything is his, this alone is left for him to ask — 
the fairest woman in Iceland as a housewife. Bethink thee, 
with Ospakar for a son-in-law, ,who is there that can stand 
against thee ?” 

“ I am not so sure of this matter, nor do I altogether trust 
thee, Groa. Of a truth it seems to me that thou hast some 
stake upon the race. This Ospakar is evil and hideous. It 
were shame to give Gudruda over to him when she looks else- 
where. Knowest thou that I swore to love and cherish her, 
and how runs this with my oath ? If Eric he not overrich, 
yet he is of good birth and kin, and, moreover, a man of men. 
If he take her, good will come.” 

“It is like thee, Asmund, ever to mistrust those who spend 
their days in plotting for thy weal. Do as thou wilt ; let Eric 
take this white treasure of thine — for whom earls would give 
their state — to live to rue it. But I say this : if he have thy 
leave to roam here with his dove the matter will soon grow, 
for these two sicken each to each, and young blood is hot and 
unapt at waiting, and it is not always snow time. So betroth 
her or let him go. And now I have said.” 

“ Thy tongue runs too fast. The* man is all unproved, and I 
will try him. To-morrow I will warn him from my door ; then 
things shall go as they are fated. And now peace, for I weary 
of thy talk, and, moreover, it is false ; for one thing thou lack- 
est — a little honesty to season all thy craft. What fee hath 
Ospakar paid thee, I marvel. Thou at least hadst never re- 
fused the gold ring to-night, for thou wouldst do much for 
gold.” 

“ And more for love, and most of all for hate,” she said, 
and laughed aloud ; nor did they speak more on this matter 
that night. 


24 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


Now, early in the morning, Asmund rose, and, going to the 
hall, awoke Eric, who slept by the centre hearth, saying he 
would talk with him without, and Eric followed him to the 
back of the hall. 

“ Say, now, Eric,” he said, when they stood in the gray 
light without the house, “ who was it taught thee that kisses 
keep out the cold on snowy days?” 

Now Eric reddened to his yellow hair, but he answered : 
“ Who was it that told thee, lord, that I tried this medicine ?” 

“ The snow hides much, but there are eyes that can pierce 
the snow. Nay, more, thou wast seen, and there’s an end. 
Now know this — I like thee well, but Gudruda is not for thee ; 
she is far above thee, who art but a deedless bonder.” 

“ Then I love to little end,” said Eric ; “ I long for one 
thing only, and that is Gudruda. It was in my mind to ask 
her in marriage of thee this very day.” 

“ Then, lad, thou hast thy answer before thou askest. Be 
sure of one thing : if but once again I find thee alone with 
Gudruda, it is my axe shall kiss thee and not her lips.” 

“ That may yet be put to the proof, lord,” said Eric, and 
turned to seek his horse, when suddenly Gudruda came and 
stood between them, and his heart leaped at the sight of her. 

“ Hearken, Gudruda,” he said. “ This is thy father’s word, 
that we speak together no more.” 

“ Then it is an ill rede for us,” said Gudruda, laying her 
hand upon her breast. 

“ Rede good or ill, so it surely is, girl,” answered Asmund. 
“No more shalt thou go a-kissing in the snow or in the 
flowers.” 

“ Now I seem to hear Swanhild’s voice,” she said. “ Well, 
such things have happened to better folk, and a father’s wish 
is to a maid what the wind is to the grass. Still, the sun is 
behind the cloud, and will shine again some day. Till then, 
Eric, fare thee well.” 

“ Is it not thy will, lord,” said Eric, “ that I come to thy 
Yule feast, as thou hast bidden me these ten years gone ?” 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


25 


Now Asmund grew wroth, and pointed with his hand tow- 
ards the great Golden Falls that thunder down the mountain 
named Stonefell, that is behind Middalhof, and there are no 
greater falls in Iceland. 

“ A man may take two roads, Eric, from Coldback to Mid- 
dalhof, one by the bridal-path over Coldback, and the other 
down Golden Falls ; but I never knew man to choose this last. 
Now, I bid thee to my feast by the path over Golden Falls ; 
and, if thou comest that way, this I promise thee : if thou 
livest I will greet thee well, and if I find thee dead in the 
great pool I will bind on thy hell shoes and lay thee to earth 
neighborly fashion. But if thou comest by any other path, 
then my thralls shall cut thee down at my door.” And he 
stroked his beard and laughed. 

Now Asmund spoke thus mockingly because he did not 
hold it possible that any man should try the path of the 
Golden Falls. 

Eric smiled and said : “ I hold thee to thy word ; perchance 
I shall be thy guest at Yule.” 

But Gudruda heard the thunder of the mighty falls as the 
wind turned, and cried, “ Nay, nay — it were thy death.” 

Then Eric finds his horse and rides away across the snow. 

Now it must be told of Koll the Half-witted that at length 
he came to Swinefell in the North, having journeyed hard 
across the snow. Here Ospakar Blacktooth had his great hall, 
wherein day by day a hundred men sat down to meat. Now 
the thrall entered the hall as Ospakar was at supper, and 
looked on him with big eyes, for he had never seen so won- 
drous a man. He was huge in stature — his hair was black, 
and black his beard, and on his lower lip there lay a great 
%lack fang. His eyes were small and narrow, but his cheek- 
bones were set wide apart and high, like those of a horse. 
Koll thought him an ill man to deal with, and half a troll, and 
grew afraid of his errand, since in Koll’s half-wittedness there 
was much cunning — for it was a cloak in which he wrapped 
himself. But Ospakar saw him as he sat in the high seat 


26 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


clothed in a purple robe, with his sword White-Fire on his 
knee, and called aloud in a great voice : 

“ Who is this red fox that creeps into my earth ?” 

For, to look on, Koll was like a fox. 

“ My name is Koll the Half -witted, Groa’s thrall. Am I 
welcome here ?” he answered. 

“ That is as it may be. Why do they call thee half-witted 

“ Because I love not work overmuch, lord.” 

“ Then all my thralls are fellow to thee. Say, what brings 
thee here ?” 

“ This, lord : It was told among men down in the South 
that thou wouldst give a good gift to him who should discover 
to thee the fairest maid in Iceland. So I craved leave of my 
mistress to come on a journey and tell thee of her.” 

“Then a lie was told thee. Still, I love to hear of fair 
maids, and seek one for wife if she be hut fair enough. 
So speak on, Koll the Fox, and lie not to me, I warn thee, 
else I will knock what wits are left from that red head of 
thine.” 

So Koll took up the tale and greatly bepraised Gudruda’s 
beauty ; nor in truth, for all his talk, could he praise it over- 
much. He told of her dark eyes and the whiteness of her 
skin, of the nobleness of her shape and the gold of her hair, 
of her wit and gentleness, till at length Ospakar grew all afire 
to see this fiower of maids. 

“ By Thor, thou Koll,” he said, “ if the girl be but half of 
what thou sayest, her luck is good, for she shall be wife to 
Ospakar. But if thou hast lied to me hereon, beware ! for 
soon there shall be a knave the less in Iceland.” 

Now one rose in the hall and said that Koll spoke truth, for 
he had seen Gudruda the Fair, Asmund’s daughter, and ther<^ 
was no maid like her in Iceland. 

“ I will do this now,” said Blacktooth. “ To-morrow I will 
send a messenger to Middalhof, saying to Asmund the Priest 
that I purpose to visit him at the time of the Yule feast ; then 
I shall see if the girl pleases me. Meanwhile, Koll, take thou 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


27 


a seat among the thralls, and here is for thy pains,” and he 
took off the purple cloak and threw it to him. 

“ Thanks to thee, gold-scatterer,” said Koll. “ It is wise to 
go soon to Middalhof, for such a bloom as this maid does not 
lack a bee. There is a youngling in the South, named Eric 
Brighteyes, who loves Gudruda, and she, methinks, loves him, 
though he is but a bonder of small wealth, and has no more 
than twenty-five winters.” 

“ Ho ! ho !” laughed great Ospakar, “ and I have forty-five. 
But let not this suckling cross my desire, lest men call him 
Eric Holloweyes.” 

Now the messenger of Ospakar came to Middalhof, and his 
words pleased Asmund well, and he made ready a great feast. 
And Swanhild smiled, but Gudruda was afraid. 


Chapter IV. 


HOW ERIC CAME DOWN GOLDEN FALLS. 

OsPAKAR rode up to Middalhof on the day before the Yule 
feast. He was splendidly apparelled, and with him came his 
two sons, Gizur the Lawman and Mord, young men of prom- 
ise, and many armed thralls and servants. Gudruda, watching 
at the women’s door, saw his face in the moonlight, and, loath- 
ing, took hold of her. 

“ What thinkest thou of him who comes to seek thee in 
marriage, foster-sister ?” asked Swanhild, watching at her side. 

“ I think he is like a troll, and that, seek as he will, he shall 
not find me. I had rather lie in the pool beneath Golden 
Falls than in Ospakar’s hall.” 

That shall be proved,” said Swanhild. “ At the least he 
is rich and noble, and the greatest of men in size. It would 
go ill with Eric were those arms about him.” 

“ I am not so sure of that,” said Gudruda ; “ but it is not 
likely to be known.” 

“ Comes Eric to the feast by the road of Golden Falls, 
Gudruda ?” 

“ Nay, no man may try that path and live.” 

“ Then he will die, for Eric will risk it.” 

Now Gudruda thought, and a.great fire burned in her heart 
and shone through her eyes. “ If Eric dies,” she said, “ on thee 
be his blood, Swanhild — on thee and that dark mother of 
thine, for ye have plotted to bring this evil on us. How have 
I harmed thee that thou shouldst deal thus with me ?” 

Swanhild turned white and evil-looking, for passion mas- 
tered her, and she gazed into Gudruda’s face and made an- 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


29 


swer. “ How hast thou harmed me ? Surely I will tell thee. 
Thy beauty has robbed me of Eric’s love.” 

“ It would be meeter to prate of Eric’s love when he had 
told it thee, Swanhild.” 

“ Thou hast robbed me, and therefore I hate thee, and 
therefore I will deliver thee over to Ospakar, whom thou dost 
loath, ay, and yet win Brighteyes to myself. Am I hot also 
fair and can I not also love, and shall I see thee snatoh my 
joy ? By the gods, never ! I will see thee dead, and Eric with 
thee, ere it shall be so ; but first I will see thee shamed.” 

“ Thy words are ill-suited to a maiden’s lips, Swanhild ; but 
of this be sure : I fear thee not, and, if need be, will render 
blow for blow. And one thing I know well, that, whether thou 
or I prevail, in the end thou shalt harvest the greatest shame, 
and in the times to come men shall speak of thee with hatred 
and name thee by ill names. Moreover, Eric shall never love 
thee ; from year to year he shall hate thee with a wider hate, 
though it may well be that thou wilt bring ruin on him. And 
now I thank thee that thou hast told me all thy mind, show- 
ing me what indeed thou art.” And Gudruda turned scorn- 
fully and walked away. 

Now Asmund the Priest went out into the courtyard, and, 
meeting Ospakar Blacktooth, greeted him well, though he 
loved not his looks, and took him by the hand and led him to 
the hall, that was bravely decked with tapestries, and seated 
him by him on the high seat. And Ospakar’s thralls brought 
good gifts for Asmund, who thanked the giver well. 

Now it was supper-time, and Gudruda entered, and after 
her came Swanhild. Ospakar gazed hard on Gudruda, and a 
Cfreat desire entered into him to make her his wife. But she 
passed coldly by, nor looked on him at all. 

“ This, then, is that maid of thine of whom I have heard 
tell, Asmund? I will say this: fairer was never born of 
woman.” 

Then men ate and Ospakar drank much ale, but all the while 
he stared on Gudruda and listened for her voice. But as yet 


30 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


he said nothing of what he came to seek. And his two sons, 
Gizur and Mord, stared also on Gudruda, for they thought her 
most wondrous fair. But Gizur found Swanhild also fair. 

And so the night wore on till time to sleep. 

On this very day Eric rode up from his stead on Ran River, 
and took his road along: the brow of Coldback till he came 
to Stonefell. Now all along Coldback and Stonefell, facing 
to the south, is a great cliff, that grows ever higher till it 
comes to that point where Golden River falls over it, and, 
parting its waters below, runs east and west — that branch to 
the east being called Ran River and that to the west Laxa — 
for these two streams girdle round the rich plain of Middalhof, 
till at length they reach the sea. But in the midst of Golden 
River, on the edge of the cliff, a mass of rock juts up called 
Sheep-saddle, dividing the waters of the fall, and over this the 
spray flies and in winter the ice gathers, but the river does not 
run. The great fall is thirty fathom deep, and shaped like a 
horseshoe, of which the points lie toward Middalhof. Yet if 
he could but gain the Sheep-saddle rock that divides the midst 
of the waters, a strong and hardy man might climb down some 
flfteen fathom of this depth and scarcely wet his feet. Now 
here at the foot of Sheep-saddle rock the double arch of boil- 
ing waters meet, and fall in one rushing torrent into the bot- 
tomless pool below. Nevertheless, some three fathoms from 
this point of the meeting waters, and beneath it, just where 
the curve is deepest, a single crag, as large as a drinking-table, 
but no larger, juts through the foam, and, if a man could reach 
it, he might leap from it some twelve fathom, sheer into the 
black pit beneath, there to sink or swim as might befall. This 
crag is called Wolf’s Fang. 

Now Eric stood for a long while on the edge of the great 
fall and looked, measuring all things with his eye. Then he 
went up above, where the river swirls down to the precipice, 
and looked again, for from this bank Sheep-saddle must be 
reached. 

“ A man may hardly do this thing, yet I will try it,” he said 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


31 


to himself at last, “ My honor shall be great for the feat, if I 
chance to live, and if I die — well, there is an end of troubling 
after maids and all things else.” 

So he went home and sat silent that evening. Now, since 
Thorgrimur Iron-Toe’s death, his housewife, Saevuna, Eric’s 
mother, had grown dim of sight, and, though she peered and 
peered again from her seat in the ingle nook, she could not see 
the face of her son. 

“ What ails thee, Eric, that thou sittest so silent ? Was not 
the meat, then, to thy mind at supper ?” 

“ Yea, mother, the meat was well enough, though somewhat 
undersmoked.” 

“Now I know that thou art not thyself, son, for thou hadst 
no meat, but stock-fish only — and never did I know a man for- 
get his supper on the night of eating, except he was distraught 
or deep in love.” 

“ Was it so ?” said Eric. 

“ What troubles thee, Eric — that sweet lass yonder ?” 

“ Aye, somewhat, mother.” 

“ What more, then ?” 

“This, that I go down Golden Falls to-morrow, and 1 know 
not how I may come from Sheep-saddle rock to Wolf’s Fang 
crag and keep my life whole in me ; and now, I pray thee, 
weary me not with words, for my brain is slow and I must 
use it.” 

When she heard, Saevuna screamed aloud and threw herself 
before Eric, praying him to forego this mad venture. But he 
would not listen to her, for he was slow to make up his mind, 
but, being made up, nothing could change it. Then, when she 
learned that it was to get sight of Gudruda that he purposed 
thus to throw his life away, she was very angry, and cursed 
her and all her kith and kin. 

“ It is like enough that thou wilt have cause to use such 
words before all this tale is told,” said Eric; “nevertheless, 
mother, forbear to curse Gudruda, who is in no way to blame 
for these matters.” 


32 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


“ Thou art a faithless son,” she said, “ who wilt slay thy- 
self striving to gain sight of thy May and leave thy mother 
childless.” 

Eric said that it seemed so indeed, hut he was plighted to 
it and the deed must be tried. Then he kissed her, and she 
sought her bed, weeping. 

Now it was the day of the Yule feast, and there was no sun 
till one hour before noon. But Eric, having kissed his mother 
and bade her farewell, called a thrall to him, Jon by name, and 
gave him a sealskin bag full of his best apparel, and bade him 
go to Middalhof and tell Asmund the Priest that Eric Bright- 
eyes comes down Golden Falls an hour after midday, to join 
his feast, and thence to the foot of the Golden Falls, to await 
him there. And the man went, wondering greatly, for he 
thought his master mad. 

Then Eric took a good rope and a staff tipped with iron, 
and, so soon as the light served, mounted his horse, crossed 
Ran River, and rode along Coldback till he came to the lip of 
Golden Falls. Here he stayed awhile, till at length he saw 
many people streaming up the snow from Middalhof, far be- 
neath, and among them two women, who, by their stature, 
should be Gudruda and Swanhild, and near to them a great 
man whom he did not know. Then he showed himself for a 
space on the brink of the gulf, and turned his horse up stream. 
The sun shone bright upon the edge of the sky, but the frost 
bit like a sword. Nevertheless he must strip off his garments, 
so that nothing remained on him except his sheepskin shoes, 
shirt, and hose, and take the water. Now here the river runs 
mightily, and he must cross full thirty fathoms of the swirling 
water before he reach Sheep-saddle, and woe to him if his foot 
slip, for certainly he must be swept over the brink. He rested 
the staff against the bottom, and, leaning his weight on it, took 
the stream, and he was so strong that it could not prevail 
against him, till at length he was somewhat more than half 
way across and the water swept above his shoulders. Now he 
was lifted from his feet, and, letting the staff float, he swam 


ERIC BRIGHTEYE8. 


33 


for his life, and with strokes so mighty that he felt little of 
that icy cold. Down he was swept — now the lip of the fall 
was but three fathoms away on his left, and already the swift 
green water boiled beneath him. A fathom from him in front, 
and two below, was the corner of Sheep-saddle. If he may 
grasp it, all is well ; if not, he goes. Three great strokes and 
he held it. His feet were swept out over the brink of the fall, 
but he clung on grimly, and, by the strength of his arms, drew 
himself on to the rock and rested awhile. Presently he stood 
up, for the cold began to nip him, and the people below became 
aware that he had swum the river above the fall and raised a 
shout, for the deed was great. Now he must begin to swarm 
down Sheep-saddle, and this was no easy task, for the rock is 
well-nigh sheer and slippery with ice, and on either side the 
mad w^aters rushed and thundered, throwing their blinding 
spray about him as they leaped to the giddy depths beneath. 
He looked down, studying the rock ; then, fearing that he 
grew afraid, made an end of doubt, and, grasping a point with 
both hands, swung himself down his own length and more. 
Now for many minutes he climbed down Sheep-saddle, and 
the task was hard, for he was bewildered with the booming 
of the waters that bent out on either side of him like the arc 
of a bow, and the rock was very steep and slippery. Never- 
theless he came down all fifteen fathoms and fell not, though 
twice he was near to falling, and the watchers below marvelled 
greatly at his hardihood. 

“Where the waters meet there he will be dashed to pieces,’^ 
said Ospakar; “he may never gain Wolf’s Fang crag be- 
neath ; and, if so it be that he come there and leaps to the pool, 
the weight of water will drive him down and drown him.” 

“ It is certainly so,” quoth Asmund, “ and it grieves me 
much ; for it was my word that drove him to this perilous ad- 
venture, and we can ill spare such a man as Eric Brighteyes.” 

Now Swanhild turned white as death ; but Gudruda said : 
“ If great heart and strength and skill may avail at all, then 
Eric shall come safely down the waters.” 

3 


34 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


“ Thou fool !” whispered Swanhild, “ how may these avail 
him ? No troll could live in yonder caldron. Dead is Eric, 
and thou art the bait that lured him to his death.” 

“ Spare thy words,” she answered ; “ as the Norns have or- 
dered so it shall be.” 

Now Eric stood at the foot of Sheep-saddle, and within an 
arm’s-length the mighty waters met, tossing their yellow manes 
and seething furiously as they leaped to the mist-hid gulf be- 
neath. He bent over and looked through the spray. Three 
fathoms under him the rock Wolf’s Fang split the waters, and. 
thence, if he can come thither, he may leap sheer into the 
pool below. Now he unwound the rope that was about his 
middle, and made one end fast to a point of rock — and this 
was not easy, for his hands were stiff with cold — and the other 
end he passed through his leathern girdle. Then he looked 
again, and his heart sank within him. How might he give 
himself to this boiling flood and not be shattered ? But as he 
looked, lo ! a rainbow grew upon the face of the water, and 
one end of it lit upon him, and the other, like a glory from 
the gods, fell full upon Gudruda as she stood a little way 
apart, watching at the foot of the waters. 

“ Seest thou that ?” said Asmund to Groa, who was at his 
side — “ the gods build their Bifrost bridge between these two. 
Who now shall keep them asunder ?” 

“ Read the portent thus,” she answered : “ They shall be 
united, but not here. Yon is a spirit bridge, and, see, the 
waters of death foam and fall between them.” 

Eric, too, saw the omen, and it seemed good to him, and all 
fear left his heart. Round about him thundered the great 
waters, but amid their roar he dreamed he heard a voice 
calling : 

“Be of good cheer, Eric Brighteyes, for thou shalt live to 
do mightier deeds than this, and Gudruda thou shalt win in 
guerdon.” 

So he paused no longer, but, shortening up the rope, pulled 
on it with all his strength, and then leaped out upon the arch 


ERIC BRIQHTEYES. 


35 


of waters. They struck him and he M'as dashed out like a 
stone from a sling ; again he fell against them, and again was 
dashed away, so that his girdle burst. Eric felt it go, and 
clung wildly to the rope, and, lo ! with the inward swing he 
fell on Wolf’s Fang, where never a man stood before and never 
a man shall stand again. He lay a little while on the rock till 
his breath came back to him, and he listened to the roar of the 
waters. Then, rising on his hands and knees, he crept to the 
point, for he might scarcely stand because of the trembling of 
the stone beneath the shock of the fall ; and when the people 
below saw that he was not dead they raised a great shout, and 
the sound of their voices came to him through the noise of 
the waters. 

Now, twelve fathoms beneath him was the surface of the 
pool ; but he might not see it because of the wreaths of spray. 
Nevertheless, he must leap, and that swiftly, for he grew cold. 
So of a sudden he stood up to his full height, and, with a loud 
cry and a mighty spring, bounded out from the point of rock 
far into the air beyond the reach of the falling flood, and 
rushed headlong towards the gulf beneath. Now all men 
watching held their breath as his body travelled, and so great 
is the place and so high the leap that through the mist Eric 
seemed but as a big white stone hurled down the face of the 
arching waters. 

He was gone, and the watchers rushed to the foot of the 
great pool, for there, if he rose at all, he must pass to the shal- 
lows. Swanhild could look no more, but sank upon the 
ground. Set as a stone was the face of Gudruda with doubt 
and anguish. Ospakar saw and read the meaning, and he said 
to himself : “ Now Odin grant that this youngling rise not 
again, for the maid loves him dearly, and he is too much a man 
to be lightly swept aside.” 

Eric struck the pool. Down he sank, and down and down — 
for the water falling from so far must almost reach the bot- 
tom of the pool before it may rise again — and he with it. Now 
he touched the bottom, but very gently, and slowly began to 


36 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


rise, and, as he rose, was carried along by the great stream. 
But it was long before he might breathe, and it seemed to him 
that his lungs would surely burst. Still, he struggled up, 
striking great strokes with his legs. 

“ Farewell to Eric,” said Asmund ; “he will rise no more 
now.” 

But even as he spoke Gudruda pointed to something that 
gleamed, white and golden, beneath the surface of the current, 
and, lo ! the bright hair of Eric rose from the water, and he 
drew a great breath and shook his head like a seal, and, 
though but feebly, struck out for the shallows that are at the 
foot of the pool. Now he found footing, but was swept over 
by the fierce current and cut his forehead, and that scar he 
carried till his death. Again he rose, and with a rush gained 
the bank unaided and fell upon the snow. 

Now people gathered around him in silence and wondering, 
for none had known so great a deed. And presently Eric 
opened his eyes and found the eyes of Gudruda fixed on his, 
and there was that in them which made him glad he had dared 
the path of Golden Falls. 


Chapter V. 

HOW ERIC WON THE SWORD WHITEFIRE. 

Now Asmund the Priest bent down, and Eric saw him and 
spoke : 

“ Thou badest me to thy Yule feast, lord, by yonder slip- 
pery road and I have come. Dost thou welcome me well !” 

“ No man better,” quoth Asmund. “ Thou art a gallant 
man, though foolhardy ; and thou hast done a deed that shall 
be told of while skalds sing and men live in Iceland.” 

“ Make place, my father,” said Gudruda, “ for Eric bleeds.” 
And she took the kerchief from her neck and bound it about 
his brow, and the rich cloak from her body and threw it on 
his shoulders, and no man said her nay. 

Then they led him to the hall, and there he clothed himself and 
rested, and he sent back the thrall Jon to Coldback, bidding 
him tell Saevuna, Eric’s mother, that he was safe. But he was 
somewhat weak all that day, and the sound of waters roared 
in his ears. 

Now Ospakar and Groa were ill pleased at the turn things 
had taken ; but all the others rejoiced much, for Eric was well 
loved of men and they had grieved if the waters had pre- 
vailed against his might. But Swanhild brooded bitterly, for 
Eric never turned to look on her. 

The hour of the feast drew on, and, according to custom, it 
was held in the temple, and thither went all men. When they 
were seated in the nave of the hof, the fat ox that had been 
made ready for sacrifice was led in and dragged before the altar 
on which the holy fire burned. Now Asmund the Priest slew 
it, amid silence, before the figures of the gods, and, catching 


38 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


its blood in tbe blood-bowl, sprinkled the altar and all the 
worshippers with the blood-twigs. Then the ox was cut up, 
and the figures of the almighty gods were anointed with its 
molten fat and wiped with fair linen. Next the flesh was 
boiled in the caldrons that were hung over fires lighted all 
down the nave, and the feast began. 

Now men ate, and drank much ale and mead, and all were 
merry. But Ospakar Blacktooth grew not glad, though he 
drank much, for he saw that the eyes of Gudruda ever watched 
Eric’s face, and that they smiled each on each. He was wroth 
at this, for he knew that the bait must be good and the line 
strong that should lure this fair fish to his angle, and as he 
sat, unknowingly his fingers loosed the peace-strings of his 
sword Whitefire, and he half drew it, so that its brightness 
flamed in the firelight. 

“Thou hast a wmndrous blade there, Ospakar,” said As- 
mund, “though this is no place to draw it. Whence came 
it ? Methinks no such swords are fashioned now.” 

“ Ay, Asmund, a wondrous blade indeed. There is no other 
such in the world, for the dwarfs forged it of old, and he shall 
be unconquered who holds it aloft. This was King Oden’s 
sword, and it is named Whitefire. Ralph the Red took it 
from King Eric’s cairn in Norway, and he strove long with 
the Barrow-dweller before he wrenched it from his grasp. 
But my father won it and slew him, though he had never 
done this had Whitefire been aloft against him. But Ralph 
the Red, being in drink when the ships met in battle, fought 
with an axe, and was slain by my father, and since then White- 
fire has been the last light that many a chief’s eyes have seen. 
Look on it, Asmund.” / 

Now he drew the great sword, and men were astonished 
as it flashed aloft. Its hilt was of gold, and blue stones wmre 
set therein. It measured two ells and half an ell from 
cross-bar to point, and so bright was the broad blade that no 
man might look on it for long, and all down its length ran 
runes. 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. ' 


39 


“ A wondrous weapon, truly,” said Asmund. How read 
the runes ?” 

“ I know not, nor any man — they are ancient.” 

“ Let me look on them,” said Groa ; “ I am skilled in runes.” 

Now she took the sword and heaved it up, and looked at 
the runes and said, “ A strange writing, truly.” 

“ How runs it, housekeeper ?” said Asmund. 

“ Thus, lord, if my skill is not at fault : 

“ ‘ Whitefire is my name — Dwarf-folk forged me — 

Odin’s sword was I — Eric’s sword was I — Eric’s sword shall I be — 
And where I fall there he must follow me.’ ” 

Now Gudruda looked on Eric Brighteyes wonderingly, and 
Ospakar saw it and became very wroth. 

“ Look not so, maiden,” he said, “ for it shall be another 
Eric than yon flapper-duck who holds Whitefire aloft, though 
it may well chance that he shall feel its edge.” 

Now Gudruda bit her lip, and Eric burned red to the brow, 
and spoke : 

“ It is ill, lord, to throw taunts like an angry woman. Thou 
art great and strong, yet I may dare a deed with thee.” 

“ Peace, boy ! Thou canst climb a waterfall well, I gainsay 
it not ; but beware ere thou settest up thyself against my 
strength. Say, now, what game wilt thou play with Ospakar ?” 

“ I will go on holmgang with thee, byrnie-clad or baresark, 
and fight thee with axe or sword, or I will wrestle with thee, 
and Whitefire yonder shall be to the winner.” 

“ Nay, I will have no bloodshed here at Middalhof,” said 
Asmund, sternly. “ Make play with fists, or wrestle if ye will, 
for that were great sport to see ; but weapons shall not be 
drawn.” 

Now Ospakar grew mad with anger and drink — and he 
grinned like a dog till men saw the red gums beneath his 
lips. 

“ Thou wilt wrestle with me, youngling — with me, whom 
no man hath ever so much as lifted from my feet ? Good ! I 


40 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


will lay tliee on thy face and whip thee, and Whitefire shall 
be the stake — I swear it on the holy altar-ring ; but what hast 
thou to set against the precious sword ? Thy poor hovel and 
its lot of land shall be all to little.” 

“ I set my life on it ; if I lose Whitefire let Whitefire slay 
me,” said Eric. 

“Nay, that I will not have, and here in this temple I am 
master,” said Asmund. “ Bethink thee of some other stake, 
Ospakar, or let the game be off.” 

Now Ospakar gnawed his lip with his black fang and thought. 
Then he laughed loud and spoke : 

“ Bright is Whitefire, and thou art named Brighteyes. See, 
now ; I set the great sword against thy right eye, and if I win 
the match, it shall be mine to tear it forth. Wilt thou play 
this game with me ? If thy heart fails thee, let it go ; but I 
will set no other stake against my good sword.” 

“ Eyes and limbs are a poor man’s wealth,” said Eric ; “ so 
be it. I stake my right eye against the sword Whitefire, and 
we will try the match to-morrow.” 

“ And to-morrow night thou shalt be called Eric One-eye,” 
said Ospakar — at which some few laughed. 

But the most of men laughed not, for they thought this an 
ill game and a worse jest. 

Now the feast went on, and Asmund rose from his high seat 
in the centre of the nave, on the left hand, looking down from 
the altar, and gave out the holy toasts. First, men drank a 
full horn to Odin, praying for triumph on their foes. Then 
they drank to Frey, asking for plenty ; to Thor, for strength 
in battle ; to Freya, the goddess of love (and to her Eric drank 
heartily) ; to the memory of the dead ; and, last of all, to Bragi, 
god of all delight. When this one was drunk, Asmund rose, 
according to custom, and asked if none had an oath to swear 
as to some deed that should be done. 

For a while there was no answer, but presently Eric Bright- 
eyes rose. 

“ Lord,” he said, “ I would swear an oath.” 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


41 


“ Set forth the matter, then,” said Asmund. 

It is this,” quoth Eric. “ On Mosfell mountain, over by 
Hecla, dwells a Baresark of whom all men have ill knowledge, 
for there are few whom he has not harmed. His name is Skal- 
lagrim ; he is a mighty man, and he has wrought much mis- 
chief in the south country, and brought many to their deaths 
and robbed more of their goods ; for none may prevail against 
him. Nevertheless, I swear this, that, when the days lengthen, 
I will go up alone against him and challenge him to battle, 
and conquer him or fall.” 

“ Then, thou yellow-headed puppy-dog, thou shalt go with 
one eye against a Baresark with two,” growled Ospakar. 

Men took no heed of his words, but shouted aloud, for Skal- 
lagrim had plagued them long, and there were none who dared 
to fight with him any more. Only Gudruda looked askance, 
for it seemed to her that Eric swore too fast. Nevertheless, 
he went up to the altar, and, taking hold of the holy ring, 
swore his oath, while the feasters applauded, striking their 
cups upon the board. 

And after that the feast went merrily, till all men were 
drunk except Asmund and Eric. 

Now Eric went to rest, but first he rubbed his limbs with 
the fat of seals, for he still was sore with the beating of the 
waters, and they must needs be supple on the morrow if he 
would keep his eye. Then he slept sound, and rose strong 
and well, and, going to the stream behind the stead, bathed, 
and anointed his limbs afresh. But Ospakar slept not well, 
because of the ale he had drunk. Now, as Eric came back 
from bathing, in the dark of the morning, he met Gudruda, 
who watched for his coming, and, there being none to see, he 
kissed her often ; but she chided him because of the match 
that he had made with Ospakar and the oath that he had sworn. 

“ Surely,” she said, “ thou wilt lose thine eye, for this Os- 
pakar is a giant, and strong as a troll ; also, he is merciless. 
Still, thou art a mighty man, and I shall love thee as well with 
one eye as with two. Oh, Eric, methought I should have died 


42 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


yesterday when thou didst leap from Wolf’s Fang! My heart 
seemed to stop within me.” 

“ Yet I came safely to shore, sweetheart, and well does this 
kiss pay for all I did. And, as for Ospakar, if but once I get 
these arms about him, I fear him little, or any man, and I covet 
that sword of his greatly. But we can talk more certainly of 
these things to-morrow.” 

Now Gudruda clung to him, and told him all that had be- 
fallen, and of the doings and words of Swanhild. 

“ She honors me beyond my worth,” he said, “ who am in 
no way set on her, but on thee only, Gudruda.” 

“ Art so sure of that, Eric ? Swanhild is fair and wise.” 

“ Ay, and evil. When I love Swanhild, then thou mayst 
love Ospakar.” 

“ It is a bargain,” she said. “ Good luck go with thee in 
the wrestling,” and with a kiss she left him, fearing lest she 
should be seen. 

Eric went back to the hall, and sat down by the centre 
hearth, for all men slept, being still heavy with drink, and 
presently Swanhild glided up to him and gave him greet- 
ing. 

“ Thou art greedy of deeds, Eric,” she said. “ Yesterday 
thou earnest here by a path that no man has travelled, to-day 
thou dost wrestle with a giant for thine eye, and presently 
thou goest forth against Skallagrim.” 

“ It seems that this is true,” said Eric. 

“ Now all this thou doest for a woman who is the betrothed 
of another man.” 

“ All this I do for fame’s sake, Swanhild. Moreover, Gu- 
druda is betrothed to none.” 

“ Before another Yule feast is spread Gudruda shall be the 
wife of Ospakar.” 

“ That is yet to be seen, Swanhild.” 

Now Swanhild stood silent for a while, and then spoke : 
“ Thou art a fool, Eric — yes, drunk with folly. Nothing but 
evil shall come to thee for this madness of thine. Forget it. 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


43 


and pluck that which lies to thine hand,” and she looked 
sweetly on him. 

“They call thee Swanhild the Fatherless,” he answered, 
“ but I think that Loki, the god of guile, was thy father, for 
there is none to match thee in craft and evil doing, and in 
beauty one only. I know thy plots well, and all the sorrow 
that thou hast brought upon us. Nevertheless, each seeks 
honor after his own fashion, so seek thou as thou wilt ; but 
thou shalt find bitterness and empty days, and thy plots shall 
come back on thine own head, yea, even though they bring 
Gudruda and me to sorrow and death.” 

Swanhild laughed. “ A day shall dawn, Eric, when thou 
who dost hate me shall hold me dear, and this I promise thee. 
Another thing I promise thee, also — that Gudruda shall never 
call thee husband.” 

But Eric did not answer, fearing lest, in his anger, he should 
say words that were better unspoken. 

Now men rose and sat down to meat, and all talked of the 
wrestling that should be. But in the morning Ospakar re- 
pented him of the match, for it is truly said that ale is another 
man, and men like not that in the morning which seemed well 
enough on yester eve. He remembered that he held White- 
fire dear above all things, and that Eric’s eye had no worth to 
him, except that the loss of it would spoil his beauty, so that 
perhaps Gudruda would turn from him. It would be very ill 
if he should chance to lose the play — though of this he had 
little fear, for he was held the strongest man in Iceland, and 
the most skilled in all feats of strength — and, at the best, no 
fame is to be won of the overthrow of a deedless man, and the 
plucking out of his eye. Thus it came to pass that, when he 
saw Eric, he called to him in a big voice : 

“ Hearken thou, Eric !” 

“ I hear thee, thou Ospakar,” said Eric, making a mock of 
him, and people laughed, while Ospakar grinned angrily and 
said, “ Thou must learn manners, puppy. Still, I shall find 
no honor in teaching thee in this wise. Last night we made 


44 


ERIC BEIGHTEYES. 


a match in our cups, and I staked my great sword Whitefire 
and thou thine eye. It would be bad that either of us should 
lose sword or eye ; therefore, what sayest thou, shall we let it 
pass ?” 

“ Ay, Blacktooth, if thou fearest ; but first pay thou forfeit 
of the sword.” 

Now Ospakar grew very mad, and shouted, “ Thou wilt in- 
deed stand against me in the ring ! I will break thy back, 
youngster, and after tear out thine eye before thou diest.” 

“ It may so befall,” answered Eric, “ but big words do not 
make big deeds.” 

Presently the light came, and thralls went out with spades 
and cleared away the snow in a circle of two rods across, and 
brought dry sand and sprinkled it on the frozen turf, so that 
the wrestlers should not slip. And they piled the snow in a 
wall around the ring. 

But Groa came up to Ospakar, and spoke to him apart. 

“ Knowest thou, lord,” she said, “ that my heart bodes ill 
of this match ? Eric is a mighty man, and, great though thou 
art, methinks that thou shalt lilt low before him.” 

“ It will be an ill matter if I am overthrown of an untried 
man,” said Ospakar, and was troubled in his mind, “ and it 
would be evil, moreover, to lose the sword. On no account 
would I have it so.” 

“ What wilt thou give me, lord, if I bring thee victory ?” 

“ I will give thee two hundred in silver.” 

“ Ask no questions, and it shall be so,” said Groa. 

Now Eric was without, taking note of the ground in the 
ring, and Groa called to her the thrall Roll the Half-witted, 
whom she had sent to Swinefell. 

“See,” she said, “yonder by the wall stand the wrestling- 
shoes of Eric Brighteyes. Haste thee now, and take grease, 
and rub the soles with it, then hold them in tlie heat of the 
fire, so that the fat sinks in. Do this swiftly and secretly, 
and I will give thee twenty pennies.” 

Roll grinned, and did as he was bid, setting back the shoes 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


45 


even as they were. Scarcely was the deed done when Eric 
came in and made himself ready, binding the greased shoes 
upon his feet, for he feared no trick. 

Now all men went out to the ring, and Ospakar and Eric 
stripped for wrestling. They were clad in tight woollen jer- 
kins and hose, and sheepskin shoes were on their feet. 

They named Asmund master of the game, and his word 
must be law to both of them. Eric claimed that Asmund 
should hold the sword Whitefire that was at stake, but Ospa- 
kar gainsaid him, saying that if he gave Whitefire into As- 
mund’s keeping, Eric must also give his eye — and about this 
they debated hotly. Now the matter was brought before As- 
mund as umpire, and he gave judgment for Eric, “ for,” he 
said, “ if Eric yield up his eye into my hand, I can return it 
to his head no more if he win ; but if Ospakar gives me the 
good sword and conquers, it is easy for me to pass it back to 
him unharmed.” 

Men said that this was a good judgment. 

Thus, then, was the arm-game set. Ospakar and Eric must 
wrestle thrice, and between each bout there would be a space 
while men could count a thousand. They might strike no 
blow at one another with hand, or head, or elbow, foot, or 
knee ; and it should he counted no fall if the haunch and the 
head of the fallen were not on the ground at the self-same 
time. He who suffered two falls should be adjudged con- 
quered, and lose his stake. 

Asmund called these rules aloud, in the presence of wit- 
nesses, and Ospakar and Eric said that should bind them. 

Ospakar drew a small knife and gave it to his son Gizur to 
hold. 

“ Thou shalt soon know, youngling, how steel tastes in the 
eyeball,” he said. 

“ We shall soon know many things,” Eric answered. 

Now they threw off their cloaks and stood in the ring. 
Ospakar was great beyond the bigness of men, and his arms 
were clothed with black hair like the limbs of a goat. Be- 


46 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


neath the shoulder-joint they were as thick as a girl’s thigh. 
His legs were also mighty, and the muscles stood out upon 
him in knotty lumps. A very giant he seemed, and fierce as 
a Baresark, but still somewhat round about the body and heavy 
in movement. 

From him men looked at Eric. 

“ Lo, Baldur and the Troll !” said Swanhild, and everybody 
laughed, since so it was indeed, for if Ospakar was black and 
hideous as a troll, Eric was beautiful as Baldur, the loveliest 
of the gods. He was taller than Ospakar by the half of a 
hand, and as broad in the chest. Still he was not yet come 
to his greatest strength, and though his limbs were well knit, 
they seemed but as a child’s against the limbs of Ospakar. 
But he was quick as a cat, and lithe ; his neck and arms were 
white as whey, and beneath his golden hair his bright eyes 
shone like spears. 

Now they stood face to face, with arms outstretched, wait- 
ing the word of Asmund. He gave it, and they circled round 
each other with arms held low. Presently Ospakar made a 
rush, and, seizing Eric about the middle, tried to lift him, but 
with no avail. Thrice he strove and failed ; then Eric moved 
his foot, and lo ! it slipped upon the sanded turf. Again he 
moved, and again he slipped ; a third time, and he slipped ; 
a third time, and before he could recover he was full on his 
back and fairly thrown. 

Gudruda saw, and was sad at heart,* and those around her 
said that it was easy to know how the game would end. 

“ What said I ?” quoth Swanhild. “ That it would fare ill 
with Eric were Ospakar’s arms about him.” 

“ All is not done yet,” answered Gudruda. “ Methinks 
Eric’s foot slipped most strangely, as though he stood on ice.” 

But Eric was very sore at heart, and could make nothing 
of this matter — for he was not overthrown by strength. 

He sat on the snow, and Ospakar and his sons mocked 
him. But Gudruda drew near, and whispered to be of good 
cheer, for fortune might yet change. 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


47 


“ I think I am bewitched,” said Eric, sadly. “ My feet 
have no hold of the ground.” 

Gudruda covered her eyes and thought. Presently she 
looked up quickly. “I seem to see guile here,’* she said. 
“ Now look narrowly on thy shoes.” 

He heard, and, loosening his shoestring, drew a shoe from 
his foot, and looked at the sole. The cold of the snow had 
hardened the fat, and there it was, all white, upon the leather. 

Now Eric rose in wrath. “ Methought,” he cried, “ that I 
dealt with men of honorable mind, not with cheating trick- 
sters. See now ! it is little wonder that I slipped, for grease 
has been set upon my shoes — and, by Thor ! I will cleave the 
man who did it to the chin ;” and as he said it his eyes blazed 
so dreadfully that folk fell away from him. Asmund took 
the shoes and looked on them. 

“ Brighteyes speaks the truth, and we have a sorry knave 
among us. .Ospakar, canst thou clear thyself of this ill deed ?” 

“ I will swear on the holy ring that I know nothing of it, 
and if any man in my company has had a hand therein he 
shall die,” said Ospakar. 

“ That will we also,” cried his sons, Gizur and Mord. 

“ This is more like a woman’s work,” said Gudruda, and 
she looked at Swanhild. 

‘‘ It is no work of mine,” quoth Swanhild. 

Then go ask thy mother of it,” answered Gudruda. 

Now all men cried aloud that this was the greatest shame, 
and that the match must be set afresh, only Ospakar bethought 
him of that two hundred in silver which he had vowed to 
Groa, and looked around, but she was not there. Neverthe- 
less, he gainsaid Eric in the matter of the match being set 
afresh. 

Then Eric cried aloud in his anger that he would let the 
game stand as it was, since Ospakar swore himself free of the 
shameful deed. Men thought this a daft saying, but Asmund 
said it should be so. Still, he swore in his heart that, even if 
he were worsted, Eric should not lose his eye — no, not if 


48 


ERIC BRIGHTEYE8. 


swords were held aloft to take it. For, of all things, this 
seemed the very worst. 

Now, again, Ospakar and Eric faced each other in the ring, 
but this time the feet of Eric were bare. 

Ospakar rushed to get the upper hold, but Eric was too 
swift for him, and sprang aside. Again he rushed, but Eric 
dropped, and gripped him round the middle. Now they were 
face to face, hugging each other like bears, but moving little. 
For a while things went thus, while Ospakar strove to lift 
Eric, but nohow might he stir him. Then, of a sudden, Eric 
put out his strength, and they staggered round the ring, tear- 
ing at each other till their jerkins were rent from them, leav- 
ing them bare to the waist. Suddenly Eric seemed to give, 
and Ospakar put forth his foot to trip him. But Brighteyes 
was watching. He caught the foot in the crook of his left 
leg, and threw his weight forward on the chest of Blacktooth. 
Backward he went, falling with the crash of a pine, and thus- 
he lay on the ground, and Eric on him. 

The men shouted, “ A fall ! a fair fall !” and were very glad, 
for the fight seemed most uneven to them, and the wrestlers 
rolled asunder, breathing heavily. 

Gudruda threw a cloak over Eric’s naked shoulders. 

“ That was well done, Brighteyes,” she said. 

“ The game is still to play. Sweet,” he gasped, “ and Ospa- 
kar is a mighty man. I threw him by skill, not by strength.” 

Now breathing-time was done, and once more the two were 
face to face. Thrice Ospakar rushed, and thrice did Eric slip 
away, for he would waste Blacktooth’s strength. Again Os- 
pakar rushed, roaring like a bear, and fire seemed to come 
from his eyes, and the steam went up from him and hung 
upon the frosty air like the steam of a horse. This time Eric 
might not get away, but was swept up into that mighty grip, 
for Ospakar had the lower hold. 

Now there is an end of Eric,” said Swanhild. 

“ The arrow is yet on the bow,” answered Gudruda. 

Blacktooth put out his might, and reeled round and round 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


49 


the ring, dragging Eric with him. This way and that he 
twisted, and time on time Eric’s leg was lifted from the ground, 
but so he might not be thrown. Now they stood almost still, 
while men shouted madly, for no such wrestling had been 
known in the southlands. Grimly they hugged and strove ; 
forsooth, it was a mighty sight to see. Grimly they hugged, 
and their muscles strained and cracked, but they could stir 
each other no inch. 

Ospakar grew fearful, for he could make no play with this 
youngling. Black rage swelled in his heart. He ground his 
fangs, and thought on guile. By his foot gleamed the naked 
foot of Eric. Suddenly he stamped on it so fiercely that the 
skin burst. 

“ 111 done ! ill done !” folk cried ; but, in his pain, Eric 
moved his foot. 

Lo ! he was down, but not altogether down, for he did but 
-sit upon his haunches, and still he clung to Blacktooth’s thighs, 
and twined his legs about his ankles. Now, with all his might 
and strength, Ospakar strove to force the head of Brighteyes 
down to the ground, but still he might not, for Eric clung to 
him like a creeper to a tree. 

“ A losing game for Eric,” said Asmnnd, and as he spoke 
Brighteyes was forced back till his yellow hair almost swept 
the ground. 

Then the folk of Ospakar shouted in triumph, but Gudruda 
cried aloud : 

“ Be not overthrown, Eric ; loose thee, and spring aside.” 

Eric heard, and of a sudden loosed all his grip. He fell on 
his outspread hand ; then, with a swing and a bound, once 
more he stood upon his feet. Ospakar came at him like a 
bull made mad with goading, but he could no longer roar 
aloud. They closed, and this time Eric had the better hold. 
They closed, they struggled round and round till their feet 
tore the frozen turf, then once more they stood face to face. 
Now the two were well-nigh spent ; yet Blacktooth gathered 
up his mighty strength, and swung Eric from his feet, but he 

. 4 


50 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


found them again. He grew mad with rage, and hugged him 
till Brighteyes was nearly pressed to death, and black bruises 
sprung upon the whiteness of his flesh. Ospakar grew mad, 
and madder yet, till at length, in his fury, he fixed his fangs 
in Eric’s shoulder and' bit till the blood spurted. 

“ 111 kissed, thou rat,” gasped Eric, and, with the pain and 
rush of blood, his strength came back to him. He shifted his 
grip swiftly ; now his right hand was beneath the fork of 
Blacktooth’s thigh, and his left on the hollow of Blacktooth’s 
back. Twice he lifted — twice the bulk of Ospakar rose from 
the ground — a third mighty lift — so mighty that the wrapping 
on Eric’s forehead burst, and the blood streamed down his 
face — and, lo ! the giant flew in .air. Tip he flew, and back- 
ward he fell in the bank of snow, and was buried there almost 
to the knees. 


Chapter VI. 

HOW ASMUND THE PRIEST WAS BETROTHED TO UNNA. 

For a moment there was silence, for all the company was 
wonderstruck at the greatness of the deed. Then they 
cheered and cheered again, and to Eric it seemed that he 
slept, and the sound of shouting reached him but faintly, as 
though he heard through snow. Suddenly he woke, and saw 
a man rush at him with axe aloft. It was Mord, Ospakar’s 
son, mad at his father’s overthrow. Eric sprang aside, or the 
blow had been his bane, and, as he sprang, smote with his fist, 
and it struck heavily on the head of Mord above the ear, so 
that the axe flew from his hand, and he fell senseless on his 
father in the snow. 

Now swords flashed out, and men ringed round Eric to 
guard him, and it came near to the spilling of blood, for the 
people of Ospakar gnashed their teeth to see so great a hero 
overthrown of a youngling, while the southern folk of Mid- 
dalhof and Ran River rejoiced loudly, for Eric was dear to 
their hearts. 

“ Down swords !” cried Asmund, the priest, “ and haul yon 
carcass from the snow.” 

This then they did, and Ospakar sat up breathing in great 
gasps, the blood running from his mouth and ears, and he was 
an evil sight to see, for what with blood and rage his face was 
as the face of the Swinefell goblin. 

But Swanhild spoke in the ear of Gudruda : 

“ Here,” she said, looking at Eric, “ we two have a man 
worth loving, foster-sister.” 

“ Ay,” said Gudruda, “ worth and well worth !” 


62 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


Now Asmund drew near, and before all men kissed Eric 
Brighteyes on the brow. 

“ In sooth,” he said, “ thou art a mighty man, Eric, and the 
glory of the south. This I prophesy of thee : that thou shaft 
do deeds such as have not been done in Iceland. Thou hast 
been ill served, for a knave unknown has greased thy shoes. 
Yon swarthy Ospakar, the most mighty of all men in Iceland, 
could not overthrow thee, though, like a wolf, he fastened his 
fangs into thee, and, like a coward, stamped upon thy naked 
foot. Take thou the great sword thou hast won, and wear it 
worthily.” 

Now Eric took snow and wiped the blood from his brow. 
Then he grasped Whitefire, and drew him forth, and high 
aloft flashed the war-blade. Thrice he whirled it around his 
head, and then sang : 

“ But yestermorn, down Golden Falls, 

Came young Eric to thy feast. 

Asmund, father of Gudruda — 

Maid whom sore he longs to clasp. 

Now to-day on Giant Blacktooth 
Hath he wrought a needful deed ; 

Tumbling him in heaped-up snowdrift, 

Winning Whitefire for his prize.” 

And again he sang : 

“Lord, if in very truth thou boldest 
Brighteyes is a man midst men, 

Give to him, the stalwart wooer, 

Promise of thy sweet maid’s hand. 

Her, long loved, to win, down Goldfoss 
Swift he sped through ice and foam; 

Her to win, to troll-like Ogre, 

He, ’gainst Whitefire, staked his eye.” 

Men thought this well sung, and turned to hear Asmund’s 
answer, nor must they wait long. 

“ Eric,” he said, “ I will promise thee this, that if thou go- 
est on as thou hast begun, I will give Gudruda in marriage 
to no other man.” 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


53 


“ That is good tidings, lord,” said Eric. 

“ This I say further : in a year I will give thee full answer 
according as to how thou dost bear thyself between now and 
then, for this is no light gift thou asketh ; also that, if ye will 
it, you twain may now plight troth, for the blame shall be 
yours if it is broken, and not mine, and I give thee my hand 
on it.” 

Eric took his hand, and Gudruda heard her father’s words, 
and happiness shone in her dark eyes, and she grew faint for 
very joy. And now Eric turned to her, all torn and bloody 
from the fray, the great sword in his hand, and he spoke thus : 

“ Thou hast heard thy father’s words, Gudruda ? Now me- 
thinks there is no great need of troth-plighting between us 
two. Still, here, before all men, I ask thee if thou dost love 
me, and art willing to take me to husband ?” 

Gudruda looked up into his face and answered, in a sweet, 
clear voice, that could be heard of all : 

“ Eric, I say to thee now, what I have said before, that I 
love thee alone of men, and, if it be my father’s wish, I will 
wed none other whilst^ thou dost remain true to me and hold 
me dear.” 

' “ Those are good words,” said Eric. “ Now, in pledge of 
them, swear this troth of thine upon my sword that I have 
won.” 

She smiled, and, taking great Whitefire in her hand, she 
said the words again, and, in pledge of them, kissed the 
bright blade. 

Then Eric took back the war-sword and spoke thus : “ I 
swear that I will love thee, and thee only, Gudruda the Fair, 
Asmund’s daughter, whom I have desired all my days ; and 
if I fail of this my oath, then our troth is at an end, and thou 
mayst wed whom thou wilt.” And in turn he put his lips 
upon the sword, while Swanhild watched with eyes of fire and 
a heart of ice. 

Now, Ospakar was recovered from the fight, and he sat 
there upon the snow with bowed head, for he knew well that 


54 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


he had got the greatest shame, and had lost wife and sword. 
Black rage filled his heart as he listened, and he sprang to his 
feet. 

“I came hither, Asmund,” he said, “to ask this maid of 
thine in marriage, and methinks that had been a good match 
for her and thee. But I have been overthrown by witchcraft 
of this man in a wrestling-bout, and thereby lost my good 
sword ; and now I must seem to hear him betrothed to the 
maid before me.” 

“ Thou hast heard aright, Ospakar,” said Asmund, “ and 
soon is thy wooing sped. Get thee back whence thou earnest, 
and seek a wife in thine own quarter, for thou art unfit in age 
and aspect to have so sweet a maid. Moreover, here in the 
South we hold men of small account, however great and rich 
they be, who do not shame to seek to overcome a foe by foul 
means. With my own eyes I saw thee stamp on the naked 
foot of Eric, Thorgrimur’s son ; with my own eyes I saw thee, 
like a wolf, fasten that black fang of thine upon him — there 
is the mark of it ; and, as for the matter of the greased shoes 
thou knowest best what hand thou hadst in it.” 

“ I had no hand in it. If any did this thing it was Groa, 
the Witch, thy Finnish bedmate. For the rest, I was mad 
and knew not what I did. But hearken, Asmund ; ill shall 
befall thee and thy house, and I will ever be thy foe. More- 
over, I will yet wed this maid of thine. And now thou, Eric, 
hearken also ; I will have another game with thee. This one 
was but the sport of boys ; when we meet again — and the 
time shall not be long-^swords shall be aloft, and thou shalt 
learn the play of men. I tell thee that I will slay thee, and 
tear Gudruda, shrieking, from thy arms to be my wife. I tell 
thee that, with that good sword Whitefire, I will yet hew thy 
head from thee ” — and he choked and stopped. 

“ Thou art much foam and little water,” said Eric. “ These 
things are easily put to proof. If thou wiliest it, to-morrow 
I will come with thee to a holmgang, and there we may set 
the twigs and finish what we have begun to-day.” 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


55 


“ I cannot do that, for thou hast my sword ; and, till I am 
suited with another weapon, I may fight no holmgang. Still, 
fear not ; we shall soon meet with weapons aloft and hyrnie 
on breast.” 

“ Never too soon can the hour come, Blacktooth,” said Eric, 
and, turning on his heel, limped to the hall to clothe himself 
afresh. On the threshold of the man’s door he met Groa the 
Witch. 

“ Thou didst put grease upon my shoes, carline and witch- 
hag that thou art,” he said. 

“ It is not true, Brighteyes.” 

“ There thou liest, and for all this I will repay thee. Thou 
art not yet the wife of Asmund, nor shalt be, for a plan comes 
into my head about it.” 

Groa looked at him strangely “ If thou speakest so, take 
heed to thy meat and drink,” she said. “ I was not born 
among the Finns for nothing ; and know, I am still minded 
to w'ed Asmund. For the shoes, I would to the gods they 
were hell-shoen, and that I was now binding them on thy dead 
feet.” 

Oh ! the cat begins to spit !” said Eric. “ But, know this : 
thou mayest grease my shoes — fit work for a carline ! — but thou 
mayest never bind them on. Thou art a witch, and wilt come 
to the end of witches ; and what thy daughter is, that I wilt 
not say,” and he pushed past her and entered the hall. 

Presently Asmund came to seek him there, and prayed him 
to begone to his stead on Ran River. The horses of Ospakar 
had strayed, and he must stop at Middalhof till they were 
found ; but, if these two should abide under the same roof, 
bloodshed would come of it, and this Asmund knew. 

Eric said yea to this, and, when he had rested awhile, he 
kissed Gudruda, and, taking a horse, rode away to Coldback, 
bearing the sword Whitefire with him, and for a time he saw 
no more of Ospakar. 

When he came thither his mother, Saevuna, greeted him as 
one risen from the dead, and hung about his neck. Then he 


56 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


told her all that was come to pass, and she thought it a mar- 
vellous story ; sorrowed that Thorgrimur, her husband, was 
not alive to know it. But Eric mused awhile, and spoke : 

“ Mother,” he said, “ now my Uncle Thorod, of Greenfels, 
is dead, his daughter, my Cousin Unna, has no home. She is 
a fair woman, and skilled in all things. It comes into my 
mind that we should hid her here to dwell with us.” 

“ Why, I thought thou wast betrothed to Gudruda the 
Fair,” said Saevuna. “ Wherefore, then, wouldst thou bring 
Unna hither ?” 

“ For this cause,” said Eric — “ because it seems that As- 
mund the Priest wearies of Groa the Witch, and would take 
another wife, and I wish to draw the bands between us tight- 
er, if it may befall so.” 

“ Groa will take it ill,” said Saevuna. 

“Things cannot be worse between us than they are now, 
therefore I do not fear Groa,” he answered. 

“ It shall be as thou wilt, son ; to-morrow we will send to 
Unna and bid her here, if it pleases her to come.” 

Now Ospakar stayed three more days at Middalhof, till his 
horses were found and he was fit to travel, for Eric had shaken 
him sorely. But he had no words with Gudruda and few with 
Asmund. Nevertheless, he saw Swanhild, and she bade him 
be of good cheer, for he should yet have Gudruda. For, now 
that the maid had passed from him, the mind of Ospakar was 
set on winning her. Bjiirn also, Asmund’s son, spoke words 
of good comfort to him, for he envied Eric his great fame, and 
he thought the match with Blacktooth would be good. And 
so, at length, Ospakar rode away to Swinefell with all his com- 
pany ; but Gizur, his son, left his heart behind. 

For Swanhild had not been idle this while. Her heart was 
sore, but she must follow her ill-nature, and so she had put 
out her woman’s strength, and beguiled Gizur into loving her. 
But she did not love him at all, and the temper of Asmund 
the Priest was so angry that Gizur dared not ask her in mar- 
riage. So nothing was said of the matter. 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


57 


Now, Unna came to Coldback to dwell with Saevuna, Eric’s 
mother ; and she was a fair and buxom woman. She was 
once wedded, but within a month of her marriage her hus- 
band was lost at sea, this two years gone. At first Gudru- 
da was somewhat jealous of this coming of Unna to Cold- 
back ; but Eric showed her what was in his mind, and she fell 
into the plan, for she hated and feared Groa greatly, and de- 
sired to be rid of her. 

Since this matter of the greasing of Eric’s wrestling-shoes 
great loathing of Groa had come into Asmund’s mind, and he 
bethought him often of those words that his wife, Gudruda 
the Gentle, spoke as she lay a-dying, and grieved that the 
oath which he swore then had in part been broken. He 
would have no more to do with Groa now, but he could not 
be rid of her ; and, notwithstanding her evil doings, he still 
loved Swanhild. But Groa grew thin with spite and rage, 
and wandered about the place glaring with her great black 
eyes, and people hated her more and more. 

Now Asmund went to visit at Coldback, and there he saw 
Unna, and was pleased with her, for she was a blithe woman 
and a bonny. The end of it was that he asked her in mar- 
riage of Eric, at which Brighteyes was glad, but said that he 
must know Unna’s mind. Unna hearkened, and did not say 
no, for though Asmund was somewhat gone in years, still he 
was an upstanding man, wealthy in lands, goods, and moneys 
out at interest, and having many friends. So they plighted 
troth, and the wedding-feast was to be in the autumn after 
hay-harvest. Now Asmund rode back to Middalhof somewhat 
troubled at heart, for these tidings must be told to Groa, and 
he feared her and her witchcraft. In the hall he found her, 
standing alone. - 

“ Where hast thou been a-guesting, lord ?” she asked. 

“ At Coldback,” he answered. 

“ To see Unna, Eric’s cousin, perchance ?” 

“ That is so.” 

“ What is Unna to thee, then, lord?” 


58 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


“ This much, that after hay-harvest she will be my wife, and 
that is ill news for thee, Groa.” 

Now Groa turned and grasped fiercely at the air with her 
thin hands. Her eyes started forth, and foam was on her 
lips, and she shook in her fury like a birch-tree in the wind, 
looking so evil that he drew back, saying : 

“ Now a veil is lifted from thee, and I see thee as thou art. 
Thou hast cast a glamour over me these many years, Groa, 
and it is gone.” 

“ Mayhap, Asmund Asmundson, mayhap thou dost ; but I 
tell thee that thou shalt see me in a worse guise ere thou wed- 
dest Unna. What? have I borne the greatest shame, lying 
by thy side these many years, and shall I live to see a rival 
young and fair creep into my place with honor? That will 
not I, while runes have power and spells can conjure the evil 
thing upon thee. I call down ruin on thee and thine — yea, 
and on Brighteyes also, for he hath brought this thing to 
pass. Death take ye all! May thy blood no longer run in 
mortal veins anywhere on the earth ! Go down to Hela, As- 
mund, and be forgotten 1” and she began to mutter runes 
swiftly. 

Now Asmund turned white with wrath. “Cease thy evil 
talk,” he said, “ or thou shalt be hurled as a witch into Gold- 
foss pool.” 

“ Into' Goldfoss pool ? — yea, there I shall lie, I see it 1 — I 
see this shape of mine rolling where the waters boil fiercest, 
and lo \ a bolt is fixed in my heart — but thine is not the hand 
that shot it. Thy hand is cold, and cold is the hand of IJnna, 
for ye have gone before. I do but follow after,” and thrice 
she shrieked aloud, throwing her arms in air, then fell foam- 
ing on the sanded fioor. 

“ An evil woman and a fey,” said Asmund, as he called 
folk to her. “ It had been better for me if I had never seen 
her dark face.” 

Now it is to be told that Groa lay beside herself for ten 
full days, and Swanhild nursed her. Then she found her 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


59 


sense again, and craved to see Asmund, and spoke thus to 
him : 

“ It seems to me, lord, if indeed it be aught but a vision of 
my dreams, that before this sickness struck me I spoke mad 
and angry words against thee, because thou hast plighted troth 
to Unna, Thorod’s daughter.” 

“ That is so, sure enough,” said Asmund. 

“ I have to say this, then, lord : that most humbly I crave 
thy pardon for my ill words, and ask thee to put them away 
from thy mind. Sore heart makes sore speech, and thou 
knowest well that, howsoever great my faults, at least I have 
ever loved thee and labored for thee, and methinks that in 
some fashion thy fortunes are the debtors of my wisdom. 
Therefore, when my ears heard that thou hadst of a truth 
put me away, and that another woman comes, an honored 
wife, to rule in Middalhof, my tongue forgot its courtesy, and 
I spoke words that are of all words the furthest from my 
mind. For I know well that I grow old, and have put off that 
beauty with which I was adorned of yore, and that held thee 
to me. ‘ Carline ’ Eric Brighteyes named me, and ‘ Carline ’ 
I am — an old hag, no more ! Now, forgive me, and, in mem- 
ory of all that has been between us, let me creep to my place 
in the ingle, and still watch and serve thee and thine till my 
service is outworn. Out of Ban’s net I came to thee, and, if 
thou drivest me hence, I tell thee that I will lie down and die 
upon thy threshold, and when thou sinkest into eld, surely 
the memory of it shall grieve thee.” 

Thus she spoke, and wept much, till Asmund’s heart soft- 
ened, and, though with a doubting mind, he said it should be 
as she willed. 

So Groa stayed on at Middalhof, and was lowly in her bear- 
ing and soft of speech. 


Chapter VII. 

HOW ERIC WENT UP MOSFELL AGAINST SKALLAGRIM THE 
BARESARK. 

Now Atli the Good, earl to the Orkneys, comes into the story. 

It chanced that Atli had sailed to Iceland in the autumn 
about certain lands that had fallen to him in right of his 
mother, Helga, who was an Icelander, and had wintered west 
of Reyjanes. Spring being come, he was minded to sail home, 
and, when his ship was bound, he put to sea full early in the 
year. But it chanced that bad weather came up, with mist 
and rain, so he must needs beach his ship in a creek under 
shelter of the Westman Islands. 

Now Atli asked what people dwelt in these parts, and, when 
he heard the name of Asmund Asmundson the Priest, he was 
glad, for in old days he and Asmund had gone many a viking 
cruise together. 

“ We will leave the ship here,” he said, “ till the weather 
clears, and go up to Middalhof to guest with Asmund.” 

So they made the ship snug, and left men to watch her ; 
but two of the company, with Earl Atli, rode up to Middalhof. 

It must be told of Atli that, of the earls who lived in those 
days, he was the very best, and he ruled the Orkneys so well that 
men gave him a by-name, and called him Atli the Good. It 
was said of him that he had never turned a poor man away 
unsuccored, nor bowed his head before a strong man, nor 
drawn his sword without cause, nor refused peace to him who 
prayed for it. He was sixty years old, but age had laid no 
hand on him, save only for his long white beard. He was 
keen-eyed, and well-fashioned of form and face, a great war- 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


61 


rior, and the strongest of men. His wife was dead, leaving 
him no children, and this was a sorrow to him ; but as yet he 
had taken no other wife, for he would say, “ Love makes an 
old man blind,” and, “ When age runs with youth, both shall 
fall,” and again, “ Mix gray locks and golden, and spoil two 
heads.” For this earl was a man of many wise sayings. 

Now Atli came to Middalhof just as men sat down to meat, 
and, hearing the clatter of arms, all sprang to their feet, think- 
ing that perchance Ospakar was come again, as he had prom- 
ised. But when Asmund saw Atli he knew him at once, 
though they had not met for nearly thirty years, and he greet- 
ed him lovingly, and put him in the high seat, and gave place 
to his men upon the cross-benches. Atli told all his story, 
and Asmund bade him rest awhile at Middalhof till the weather 
grew clearer. 

Now the earl saw Swanhild, and thought the maid wondrous 
fair, and so indeed she was, as she moved scornfully to and 
fro in her kirtle of white. Soft was her curling hair, and 
deep were her dark-blue eyes, and bent were her red lips as is 
a bow above her dimpled chin, and her teeth shone like pearls. 

“ Is that fair maid thy daughter, Asmund ?” asked Atli. 

‘‘ She is named Swanhild the Fatherless,” he answered, turn- 
ing his face away. 

“ Well,” said Atli, looking sharply on him, “ were the maid 
sprung from me she would not long be called the ‘ Fatherless,’ 
for few have such a daughter.” 

“ She is fair enough,” said Asmund, “ in all save in temper, 
and that is ill to cross.” 

In every sword a flaw,” answered Atli ; “ but what have I 
to do with young maids and their beauty, who am well-nigh 
sunk in eld ?” and he sighed. 

“ I have known younger men who would seem less brisk at 
bridals,” said Asmund, and from that time they talked no 
more of the matter. 

Now Swanhild heard something of this speech, and she 
guessed more ; and it came into her mind that it would be 


62 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


the best of sport to make this old man love her, and then 
mock him and say him nay. So she set herself to the task, 
as it ever was her wont, and she found it easy. For all day 
long, with downcast eyes and gentle looks, she waited upon 
the earl, and now, at his bidding, she sang to him in a voice 
soft and low, and now she talked so wisely well that Atli 
thought no such maid was on earth before. But he checked 
himself with many learned saws, and on a day when the weather 
had grown fair, and they sat alone, he told her that his ship 
was bound for Orkney Isles. 

Then, as though by chance, she laid her white hand in his, 
and on a sudden looked deep into his eyes, and said, with 
trembling lips, “ Ah, go not yet, lord. I pray thee, go not 
yet,” and, turning, fled away. 

But Atli was much moved, and he said to himself, “ Now a 
strange thing is come to pass ; a fair maid loves an old man ; 
and yet, he who looks into those eyes sees deep waters,” and 
he beat his brow and thought. 

But Swanhild, in her chamber, laughed till the tears ran 
from those same eyes, for she saw that the great fish was 
hooked, and now the time had come to play him. 

For she knew not that it was otherwise fated. 

Gudruda, too, saw all these things, and knew not how to 
read them, for she was of an honest mind, and could not un- 
derstand how a woman may love a man as Swanhild loved 
Eric and yet make such play with other men, and that of her 
free will. For she guessed little of Swanhild’s guilefulness, 
nor of the coldness of her heart to all save Eric ; nor of how 
this was the only joy left to her, to make a sport of men, and 
put them to grief and shame. Atli said to himself that he 
would watch this maid well before he uttered a word to As- 
mund, and he deemed himself very cunning, for he was won- 
drous cautious, after the fashion of those about to fall. So 
he set himself to watching, and Swanhild set herself to smil- 
ing, and he told her tales of warring and of derring-do, and 
she clasped her hands and said : 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


63 


“ Was there ever such a man since Odin trod the earth ?” 
And so it went on, till the serving-woman laughed at the old 
man in love and the wit of her that mocked him. 

Now upon a day, Eric, having made an end of sowing his 
corn, bethought him of his vow to go forth alone against Skal- 
lagrim the Baresark, in his den on Mosfell, over by Hecla. 
Now, this was a heavy task ; for Skallagrim was held so 
mighty among men that none went up against him any more ; 
and at times Eric thought on Gudruda, and sighed, for it was 
like that she would be a widow ere she was made a wife. 
Still his vow must be fulfilled, and, moreover, of late Skalla- 
grim, having heard that a youngling named Eric Brighteyes 
had vowed to slay him single-handed, had made a mock of 
him in this fashion. For Skallagrim rode down to Coldback, 
on Ran River, and at night-time took a lamb from the fold. 
Holding the lamb beneath his arm, he drew near to the house, 
and smote thrice on the door with his battle-axe, and they 
were thundering knocks. Then he leaped on to his horse, and 
rode off a space and waited. Presently Eric came forth, but 
half-clad, a shield in one hand and Whitefire in the other, and 
looking, by the bright moonlight, saw a huge black-bearded 
man seated on a horse, having a great axe in one hand and 
the lamb beneath his arm. 

“ Who art thou ?” roared Eric. 

“ I am called Skallagrim, youngling,” answered the man on 
the horse. “ Many men have seen me once, none have wished 
to see me twice, and some few have never seen ought again. 
Now, it has been echoefi in my ears that thou hast vowed a 
vow to go up Mosfell against Skallagrim the Baresark, and I 
am come hither to say that I will make thee right welcome. 
See,” and with his axe he cut off the lamb’s tail on the 
pommel of his saddle ; “ of the flesh of this lamb of thine 
I will brew broth, and of his skin make me a vest. Take 
thou this tail, and when thou fittest it on to the skin again 
Skallagrim will own a lord,” and he hurled the tail towards 
him. 


64 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


“ Bide thou there till I may come,” shouted Eric ; “ it will 
spare me a ride to Mosfell.” 

“ Nay, nay. It is good for lads to take the mountain air,” 
and he turned his horse away, laughing. 

Eric watched his great form vanish over the knoll, and then, 
though he was much angered, laughed also, and went in. But 
first he picked up the tail, and on the morrow he skinned it. 

Now the time was come when the matter must be tried, and 
Eric bade farewell to Saevuna his mother, and Unna his cous- 
in, and girt Whitefire round him, and set upon his head a 
golden helm with wings on it. Then he took the byrnie 
which his father Thorgrimur had stripped, together with the 
helm, from the Baresark who cut olf his leg — and this was a 
good piece, forged of the Welshmen — and put it on his breast, 
and, taking a stout shield of bull’s hide studded with nails, 
rode away with one thrall, the strong carle named Jon. 

But the womenfolk misdoubted them much of this venture, 
nevertheless Eric might not be gainsaid. 

Now the road to Mosfell runs past Middalhof, and thither 
he came. Atli, standing at the men’s door, saw him, and cried 
aloud, “ Ho ! a mighty man comes here.” 

Swanhild looked out and saw Eric, and he was a goodly 
sight in his war-gear. For now, week by week, he seemed to 
grow more fair and great, as the full strength of his manhood 
rose in him, like sap in the spring grass, and Gudruda was 
very proud of her lover. That night Eric bode at Middalhof, 
and sat hand in hand with Gudruda, and talked with Earl 
Atli. Now the heart of the old viking went out to Eric, and 
he took great delight in him and his strength and deeds, and 
he longed much that the gods had given him such a son. 

“ I prophesy this of thee, Brighteyes,” he cried, “ that it 
shall go ill with this Baresark thou seekest — yea, and with all 
men who come within sweep of that great sword of thine. 
But, remember this, lad — guard thy head with thy buckler ; 
cut low beneath his shield, if he carries one, and mow the legs 
from him ! for ever a Baresark rushes on, shield up.” 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


65 


Eric thanked him for his good words and went to rest. 
But before it was light he rose, and Giidruda came into the 
hall, and buckled his harness on him with her own hands. 

“This is an ill task for’ me, Eric,” she sighed, “for how 
know I that Baresark’s hands shall not loose this helm of 
thine?” 

“ That is at it may be. Sweet,” he said ; “ but I fear not 
the Baresark or any man. How goes it with Swanhild 
now ?” 

“ I know not. She makes herself sweet to that old earl 
and he is fain of her, and that is beyond my sight.” 

“ I have seen as much,” said Eric. “ It will be well for us 
if he wed her.” 

“ Ay, and ill for him ; but it is to be doubted if that is in 
her mind.” 

Now he kissed her soft and sweet, and went, bidding her 
look for him on the day after the morrow. 

Gudruda bore up bravely against her fears till he was gone, 
but then she wept somewhat. 

Now it is to be told that Eric and his thrall Jon rode hard 
up Stonefell and across the mountains and over the black 
sand, till, two hours before sundown, they came to the foot of 
Mosfell, having Hecla on their right. It is a grim mountain, 
gray with moss, standing alone in the desert plain ; but be- 
tween it and Hecla there is good grassland. 

“ Here is the fox’s earth. Now to start him,” said Eric. 

He knows something of the path by which this fortress can 
be climbed from the south and horses may be ridden up it for 
a space. So on they go, till at length they come to a flat 
place where water runs down the black rocks, and here Eric 
drank of the water, ate somewhat, and washed his face and 
hands. This done, he bade Jon tend the horses — for here- 
abouts there is a little grass — and be watchful till he returned, 
since he must go up against Skallagrim alone. And there 
with a doubtful heart Jon stayed all that night. For of what 
came to pass he saw but one thing, and that was the light of 
5 


66 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


Whitefire as it flashed out high above him on the brow of the 
mountain when first Eric smote at foe. 

Eric went warily up the Baresark path, for he would keep 
his breath in him, and the light shone red on his golden helm. 
High he went, till at length he came to a pass narrow and 
dark and hedged on either side with sheer cliffs, such as two 
armed men might hold against a score. Down this path he 
peered, but he saw no Baresark, though it was worn with Bare- 
sark feet. He crept along its length, moving like a sunbeam 
through the darkness of the pass, for the light gathered on 
his helm and sword, till suddenly the path turned and he was 
on the brink of a gulf that seemed to have no bottom, and, 
looking across and down, he could see Jon and the horses 
nearly two hundred fathoms beneath. Now he must stop, for 
this path leads but into the black gulf. Also he was per- 
plexed to know where Skallagrim had his lair. He crept to 
the brink and gazed. Then he saw that a point of rock jut- 
ted from the sheer face of the cliff, and that the point was worn 
with the mark of feet. 

“ Where Baresark passes, there may bonder follow,” said 
Eric, and, sheathing Whitefire, without more ado, though he 
liked the task little, he grasped the overhanging rock and 
stepped down on to the point below. Now he was perched 
like an eagle over the dizzy gulf, and his brain swam. Back- 
ward he feared to go, and forward he might not, for there was 
nothing but air. By him, growing from the face of the cliff, 
was a birch bush. He grasped it to steady himself. It bent 
beneath his clutch, and then he saw, behind it, a hole in the 
rock through which a man may creep, and down this hole ran 
footmarks. 

“ First through the air like a bird ; now through earth like 
a fox,” said Eric, and entered the hole. Doubling his body 
till his helm almost touched his knee, he took three paces, and 
lo ! he stood on a great platform of rock, so large that a hall 
might be built on it, which, curving inward, cannot be seen 
from the narrow pass. This platform, that is backed by the 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


67 


sheer cliff, looks straight to the south, and from it he could 
search the plain and the path that he had travelled, and there 
once more he saw Jon and the horses far below him. 

“A strong place, truly, and well chosen,” said Eric, and 
looked around. On the floor of the rock and some paces from 
him a turf fire yet smouldered, and by it were sheep’s bones, 
and beyond, in the face of the overhanging precipice, was the 
mouth of a cave. 

“ The wolf is at home, or was but lately,” said Eric ; “ now 
for his lair,” and with that he walked warily to the mouth of 
the cave and peered in. He could see nothing yet awhile, 
but surely he heard a man snore. 

Then he crept in, and, presently, by the red light of the set- 
ting sun, he saw a great black-bearded form stretched at length 
upon a rug of sheepskins, and by his side an axe. 

“ Now it would be easy to make an end of this cave-dwell- 
er,” thought Eric ; “ but that is a deed I will not do — no, not 
even to a Baresark — to slay him in his sleep and therewith 
he stepped lightly to the side of Skallagrim, and was about 
to prick him with the point of Whitefire, when, as he did so, 
another man sat up behind Skallagrim. 

“ By Thor ! for two I did not bargain,” said Eric, and 
sprang from the cave. 

Then, with a roar of rage, that Baresark who was .behind 
Skallagrim came out like a she bear robbed of her whelps and 
ran straight at Eric, sword aloft. Eric gives before him right 
to the edge of the cliff. Then the Baresark smites at him, and 
Brighteyes catches the blow on shield, and smites in turn so 
well and truly that the head of the Baresark flies from his 
shoulders and spins along the ground, but his body, with out- 
stretched arms yet gripping at the air, falls over the edge of 
the gulf sheer into the water, a hundred fathoms down. It 
was the flash that Whitefire made as he circled ere he smote 
that Jon saw while he waited in the dell upon the mountain- 
side. But of the Baresark he saw nothing, for he passed 
down into the great fire-riven cleft, and was never seen more, 


68 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


save once only, in a strange fashion that shall be told. This 
was the first man whom Brighteyes slew. 

Now the old tale tells that Eric cried aloud, “Little chance 
had this one,” and that then a wondrous thing came to pass. 
For the head on the rock opened its eyes and answered : 

“ Little chance indeed against thee, Eric Brighteyes. Nathe- 
less, I tell thee this : that where it fell, there thou shalt fall ; 
and where my body lies there thou shalt lie also.” 

Now Eric was afraid, for he thought it a strange thing that 
a severed head should speak to him. 

“ Here it seems I have to deal with trolls,” he said ; “ but 
at the least, though he speak, this one shall strike no more,” 
and he looked at the head, but it answered nothing. 

Now Skallagrim slept through it all, and the light grew so 
dim that Eric thought it time to make an end this way or that. 
Therefore, he took the head of the slain man, though he 
feared to touch it, and rolled it swiftly into the cave, saying, 
“ Now, being so glib of speech, go tell thy fellow that Eric 
Brighteyes knocks at his door.” 

Then came sounds as of a great man rising, and presently 
Skallagrim rushed forth with axe aloft and his fellow’s head 
in his left hand. He was clothed in nothing but a shirt, and 
bound on his chest was the skin of Eric’s lamb. 

“Where now is my mate?” he said. Then he saw Eric 
leaning on Whitefire, his golden helm ablaze with the glory of 
the passing sun. 

“ It seems that thou boldest somewhat of him in thine hand, 
Skallagrim, and for the rest, go seek in yonder rift.” 

“ Who art thou ?” roared Skallagrim. 

“ Thou mayest know me by this token,” said Eric, and he 
threw the skin of the lamb’s tail towards him that Skallagrim 
had lifted from Coldback. 

Now Skallagrim knew him, and the Baresark fit came on. 
His eyes rolled, foam fiew from his bps, his mouth grinned, 
and he was awesome to see. He let fall the head, and, swing- 
ing the great axe aloft, rushed at Eric. But Brighteyes is too 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


69 


swift for him. It would not be well to let that stroke fall, 
and it ihust go ill with aught it struck. He springs forward, 
he lilts low and sweeps upward with Whitefire. Skallagrim 
sees the great sword flare and drops almost to his knee, guard- 
. ing his head with the axe ; hut Whitefire strikes on the iron 
haft of the axe and shears it in two, so that the axe-head falls 
to earth. Now the Baresark is weaponless but unharmed, and 
it would be an easy task to slay him as he rushes by. But it 
came into Eric’s mind that it is an unworthy deed to slay a 
swordless man, and this came into his mind also, that he de- 
sired to match his naked might against a Baresark in his rage. 
So, in the hardihood of his youth and strength, he cast White- 
fire aside, and crying, “ Come, try a fall with me. Baresark,” 
rushed on Skallagrim. 

“ Thou art mad,” yells the Baresark, and lo ! they are at it 
hard. Now they grip and rend and tear. Ospakar was 
Strong, but the Baresark strength of Skallagrim is more than 
the strength of Ospakar, and soon Eric thinks longingly on 
Whitefire that he has cast aside. Eric is mighty beyond the 
might of men, but he can scarcely hold his own against this 
madman, and very soon he knows that one chance alone is left 
to him, and that to cling to Skallagrim till the Baresark fit be 
passed and he is once more as other men. But this is easier 
to tell of than to do, and presently, strive as he will, Eric is on 
his back, and on him Skallagrim. But still he holds the Bare- 
sark as with bands of iron, and Skallagrim may not free his 
arms, though he strive furiously. Now they roll over and 
over on the rock, and the gloom gathers fast about them, till 
presently Eric sees that they draw near to the brink of that 
mighty rift down which the severed head of the cave-dweller 
has foretold his fall. 

“ Then we go together,” says Eric, but naught the Baresark 
heeds. Now they are on the very brink, and here, as it 
chances, or as the Norns decree, a little rock juts up and this 
keeps them from falling. Eric is uppermost, and, strive as he 
will, Skallagrim may not turn him on his back again. Still, 


70 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


Brighteyes’ strength may not endure very long, for he grows 
faint, and his legs slip slowly over the side of the rift till now 
he clings, as it were, by his ribs and shoulder-blades alone, 
that rub against the little rock. The light dies away, and 
Eric thinks on sweet Gudruda and makes ready to die like- 
wise, when suddenly a last ray from the sun falls on the fierce 
face of Skallagrim, and lo ! Brighteyes sees it change, for the 
madness goes out of it, and of a sudden the Baresark be- 
comes but as a child in his grip. 

“ Hold !” said Skallagrim, “ I crave peace,” and he loosed 
his clasp. 

“ None too soon, then,” gasped Eric as, drawing his legs 
from over the brink of the rift, he gained his feet, and, stag- 
gering to his sword, grasped it very thankfully. 

“ I am fordone,” said Skallagrim ; “ come, drag me from 
this place, for I fall ; or, if thou wilt, hew off my head.” 

“ I will not serve thee thus,” said Eric. “ Thou art a gal- 
lant foe,” and he put out his hand and drew him into safety. 

For a while Skallagrim lay panting, then he gained his 
hands and knees and crawled to where Eric leaned against the 
rock. 

Lord,” he said, “ give me thy hand.” 

Eric stretched forth his left hand, wondering, and Skalla- 
grim took it. He did not stretch out his right, for, fearing 
guile, he gripped Whitefire in it. 

“ Lord,” Skallagrim said again, “ of all men who ever were, 
thou art the mightiest. Five other men had not stood before 
me in my rage, but, scorning thy weapon, thou didst overcome 
me in the noblest fashion, and by thy naked strength alone. 
Now hearken. Thou hast given me my life, and it is thine 
from this hour to the end. Here I swear fealty to thee. Slay 
me if thou wilt, or use me if thou wilt ; but I think it will be 
better for thee to do this rather than that, for there is but one 
who has mastered me, and thou art he, and it is borne in upon 
my mind that thou wilt have need of my strength, and that 
shortly.” 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


11 


“ That may well be, Skallagrim,” said Eric, “ yet I put lit- 
tle trust in outlaws and cave-dwellers. How know I, if I take 
thee to me, that thou wilt not murder me in my sleep, as it 
v/ould have been easy for me to do by thee but now ?” 

“ AVhat is it that runs from thy arm ?” asked Skallagrim. 

“ Blood,” said Eric. 

“ Stretch forth thine arm, lord.” 

Eric did so, and the Baresark put his lips to the scratch and 
sucked the blood, and said : 

“ In this blood of thine I pledge thee, Eric Brighteyes ! 
May Valhalla refuse me and Hela take me; may I be hunted 
like a fox from earth to earth ; may trolls torment me and 
wizards sport with me o’ nights ; may my limbs shrivel and 
my heart turn to water ; may my foes o’ertake me, and my 
bones be crushed across the doom-stone — if I fall in one jot 
from this my oath that I have sworn ! I will guard thy back, 
I will smite thy enemies, thy hearthstone shall be my temple, 
thy honor my honor. Thrall am I of thine, and thrall I will 
be ; and whiles thou wilt we will live one life, and, in the end, 
will we die one death.” 

“ It seems that in going to seek a foe I have found a friend,” 
said Eric, “ and it is like enough that I shall nied one. Skal- 
lagrim, Baresark and outlaw as thou art, I take thee at thy 
word. Henceforth we are master and man, and we will do 
many a deed side by side, and in token of it I lengthen thy 
name and call thee Skallagrim Lambstail. Now, if thou hast 
it, give me food and drink, for I am faint from that hug of 
thine, old bear.” 


Chapter VIII. 


HOW OSPAKAR BLACKTOOTH FOUND ERIC BRIGHTEYES AND 
SKALLAGRIM LAMBSTAIL ON HORSE-HEAD HEIGHTS. 

Now Skallagrim led Eric to liis cave and lit fire, and gave 
him flesh to eat and ale to drink. When he had eaten his fill 
Eric looked on the Baresark. He had black hair streaked 
with gray that hung down upon his shoulders. His nose was 
hooked as a raven’s beak, his beard was wild, and his sunken 
eyes were keen as an eagle’s. He was somewhat bent and not 
over tall, but of a mighty make, for his shoulders must pass 
many a door sideways. 

“ Thou art a great man,” said Eric, “ and it is something to 
have overcome thee. Now tell me what turned thee Bare- 
sark ?” 

“ An ill deei that was done against me, lord. Ten years 
gone I was a yeoman of small wealth in the north. I had but 
one good thing, and that was the fairest housewife in those 
parts — Thorunna by name — and I loved her much, but we had 
no children. Now, not far from my stead is a place called 
Swinefell, and there dwells a mighty chief named Ospakar 
Blacktooth ; he is an evil man and a strong — ” 

Eric started at the name and then bade Skallagrim take up 
the tale. 

“ It chanced that Ospakar saw my wife Thorunna and would 
take her, but at first she did not listen. Then he promised 
her wealth and all good things, and she was weary of our hard 
way of life and hearkened. Still, she would not go away 
openly, for that had brought shame on her, but plotted with 
Ospakar that he should come and take her as though by force. 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


13 


So it came about that, as I lay heavily asleep upon a night at 
Thorunna’s side, having drunk somewhat too deeply of the 
autumn ale, armed men seized me, bound me, and haled me 
from my bed. There were eight of them, and with them Os- 
pakar. Then Blacktooth bid Thorunna rise, clothe herself, 
and come to be his May, and she made pretence to weep at 
this, but fell to it readily enough. Now she bound her girdle 
round her and to it a knife hung. 

“ ‘ Slay thyself, Sweet,’ I cried ; ‘ death is better than shame.’ 

“ ‘ Not so, husband,’ she answered. ‘ It is true that I love 
but thee ; yet a woman may find another love, but not another 
life,’ and I saw her laugh through her mock tears. Now Os- 
pakar rode in hot haste ,away to Swinefell, and with him went 
Thorunna ; but his men stayed awhile and drank my ale, and, as 
they drank, they mocked me who was bound before them ; and 
little by little all the truth was told of the doings of Ospakar 
and Thorunna my housewife, and I learned that it was she who 
had planned this sport. Then my eyes grew dark, and I drew 
near to death from very shame and bitterness. But of a sud- 
den something leaped within my heart, fire raged before my 
eyes, and voices in my ears called on to war and vengeance. 
I was Baresark — and, like hay bands, I burst my cords. My 
axe hung on the wainscot. I snatched it thence, and of what 
befell this I know alone, that, when the madness passed, eight 
men lay stretched out before me, and all the place was but 
blood. 

“ Then I drew them together, and piled drinking-tables over 
them, and benches, and turf, and anything else that would 
burn, and put cod’s oil on the pile, and fired the stead above 
them, so that the tale went abroad that all these men were 
burned in their cups, and I with them. 

“ But I took the name of Skallagrim, and swore an oath 
against all men, ay, and women, too, and away I went to the 
wood folk and worked much ill, for I spared few, and so on 
to Mosfell. Here I have stayed these five years, awaiting the 
time when I shall find Ospakar and Thorunna the harlot, and 


74 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


I have fought many men, but, till thou earnest up against me, 
none could stand before my might.” 

“ A strange tale, truly,” said Eric ; “ but now hearken thou 
to a stranger, for of a truth it seems that we have not come to- 
gether by chance,” and he told him of Gudruda and the wrest- 
ling, and of the overthrow of Blacktooth, and showed him 
Whitefire, which he won out of the hand of Ospakar. 

Skallagrim listened and laughed aloud. “ Surely,” he said, 
“ this is the work of the Norns. See, lord, thou and I will yet 
smite this Ospakar. He has taken my wife, and he would 
take thy betrothed. Let it be ! Let it be ! Ah, would that 
I had been there to see the wrestling — Ospakar had never 
risen from his snowbed. But there is time left to us, and I 
shall yet see his head roll along the dust. Thou hast his 
goodly sword, and with it thou shalt sweep his head from his 
shoulders — or perchance that shall be my lot,” and with this 
he sprang up, gnashing his teeth and clutching at the air. 

“ Peace,” said Eric. “ Blacktooth is not here. Save thy 
rage until it can run along thy sword and strike him.” 

“ Nay, not here, nor yet so far otf, lord. Hearken : I know 
this Ospakar. If he has set eyes of longing on. Gudruda, As- 
mund’s daughter, he will not rest one hour till he have her or 
be slain ; and if he has set eyes of hate on thee — then take 
heed to thy going and spy down every path before thy feet 
tread it. Soon shall the matter come on for judgment, and 
even now Odin’s Valkyries choose their own.” 

“ It is well, then,” said Eric. 

“ Yea, lord, it is well, for we two have little to fear from any 
ten men, if so be that they fall on us in fair light. But I do 
not altogether like thy tale. Too many women are mixed up 
in it, and women stab in the back. A man may deal with 
swords aloft, but not with tricks and lies and false women’s 
witchery. It was a woman who greased thy wrestling-soles, 
mayhap it will be a woman that binds on thy Hell-shoes 
when all is done — ay, and who makes them ready foT thy 
feet.” 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


75 


“ Of women, as of men,” answered Eric, “ there is this to 
be said, that some are good and some evil.” 

“ Yes, lord, and this also, that the evil ones plot the ill of 
their evil, but the good do it of their blind foolishness. For- 
swear women, and so shalt thou live happy and die in honor ; 
cherish them, and live in wretchedness and die an outcast.” 

“ Thy talk is foolish,” said Eric. “ Birds must to the air, 
the sea to the shore, and man must to woman. As things 
are so let them be, for soon will they seem as though they 
had never been. I had rather kiss my dear and die, if so it 
pleases me to do, than kiss her not and live, for at the last 
the end will be one end, and sweet are kisses !” 

“That is a good saying,” said Skallagrim, and they fell 
asleep side by side, and Eric had no fear. 

Now they awoke, and the light was already full, for they 
were weary, and their sleep had been heavy. 

Hard by the mouth of the cave is a little well of water that 
gathers there from the rocks above, and of this Eric took and 
washed himself. Then Skallagrim showed him the cave and 
the goodly store of arms that he had won from those whom 
he had slain. 

“ A wondrous place, truly,” said Eric, “ and well fitted to 
the use of such a chapman as thou art ; but, say, how didst 
thou find it ?” 

“ I followed him who was here before me and gave him 
choice — to go, or fight for the stronghold. But he needs must 
fight, and that was his bane, for I slew him.” 

“ Who was that, then,” asked Eric, “ whose head lies 
yonder ?” 

“A cave-dweller, lord, whom I took to me because of the 
lonesomeness of the wintertide. He was an evil man, for, 
though it is good to be Baresark from time to time, yet to 
dwell with one who is always Baresark is not good, and thou 
didst a needful deed in smiting his head from him, and now 
let it go find its trunk,” and he rolled it over the edge of the 
great rift. 


76 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


“ Knowest thou, Skallagrim, that this head spoke to me 
after it had left his shoulders, saying that where its body fell 
there I should fall, and where it lay there I should lie also ?” 

“Then, lord, that is likely to be thy doom, for this man 
was foresighted, and but the night before last, as we rode 
forth to seek sheep, he felt his head, and said that before the 
sun sank again a hundred fathoms of air should link it to his 
shoulders.” 

“ It may be so,” answered Eric. “ I thought as I lay in thy 
grip yonder that the fate was near. And now arm thyself, 
and take such goods as thou needest, and let us hence, for 
that thrall of mine who waits me yonder will think thou hast 
been too mighty for me.” 

Skallagrim went to the edge of the rift, and searched the 
plain with his hawk eyes. 

“No need to hasten, lord,” he said. “See, yonder rides 
thy thrall across the black sand, and with him goes thy horse. 
Surely, he thought thou earnest no more down the path by 
which thou wentest up, and it is not thrall’s work to seek 
Skallagrim in his lair and ask for tidings.” 

“ Wolves take him for a fool !” said Eric, in anger. “ He 
will ride to Middalhof and sing my death song, and that will 
sound sadly in some ears.” 

“ It is pleasant, lord,” said Skallagrim, “ when good tidings 
dog the heels of bad, and womenfolk can spare some tears 
and be a little poorer. I have horses in a secret dell that I 
will show thee, and on them we will ride hence to Middalhof 
— and there thou must claim peace for me.” 

“ It is well,” said Eric ; “ now arm thyself, for if thou goest 
with me thou must make an end of thy Baresark ways or keep 
them for the hour of battle.” 

“ I will (fo thy bidding, lord,” said Skallagrim. Then he 
entered the cave and set a plain black steel helm upon his 
black locks, and a black chain byrnie about his breast. He 
took the great axe-head also and fitted to it the haft of an- 
other axe that lay among the weapons. Then he drew out a 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


77 


purse of money and a store of golden rings, and set them in a 
bag of otter skin and buckled it about him. But the other 
goods he wrapped up in skins and hid behind some stones 
which were at the bottom of the cave, purposing to come 
another time and fetch them. 

Then they fared forth by that same path which Eric had 
trodden, and Skallagrim showed him how he might pass the 
rock in safety. 

“.A rough road this,” said Eric, as he gained the deep cleft. 

‘‘Yea, lord, and, till thou earnest, one that none but wood 
folk have trodden.” 

“ I would tread it no more,” said Eric again, “ and yet that 
fellow-thief of thine said that here I should die,” and for 
a while his heart was heavy. 

Now Skallagrim Lambstail led him by secret paths to a dell 
rich in grass, that is hidden in the round of the mountain, and 
here three good horses were at feed. Then, going to a certain 
rock, he brought out bits and saddles, and they caught the 
horses, and, mounting them, rode away from Mosfell. 

Now it is to tell that Eric and his henchman Skallagrim, the 
Baresark, rode four hours and saw nobody, till at length they 
came to the brow of a hill that is named Horse-Head dIeights, 
and, crossing it, found themselves almost in the midst of a 
score of armed men who were about to mount their horses. 

“ Now we have company,” said Skallagrim. 

“ Yes, and bad company,” answered Eric, “ for yonder I spy 
Ospakar Blacktooth, and Gizur and Mord, his sons, ay, and 
others. Down, and back to back, for they will show us little 
gentleness.” 

Then they sprang to earth and took their stand upon a 
mound of rising ground — and the men rode towards them. 

“ I shall soon know what thy fellowship is worth,” said 
Eric. ^ 

“ Fear not, lord,” answered Skallagrim. “ Hold thou thy 
head and I will hold thy back. We are met in a good hour.” 

“ Good or ill, it is likely to be a short one. Hearken thou : 


78 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


if thou must turn Baresark when swords begin to flash, at the 
least stand and be Baresark where thou art ; for if thou rushest 
on the foe, my back will be naked, and I must soon be sped.” 

“ It shall be as thou sayest, lord.” 

Now men rode round them, but they knew not Eric because 
of the golden helm that hid his face in shadow. 

“ Who are ye ?” called Ospakar. 

“ Methinks that thou shouldst know me, Blacktobth,” Eric 
answered, “ for I set thee, heels up, in the snow but lately — or, 
at the least, thou wilt know this,” and he drew great Whiteflre. 

“ Thou mayest know me also, Ospakar,” cried the Baresark. 
“ Skallagrim men called me, Lambstail Eric Brighteyes calls 
me, but once thou didst call me Ounound. Say, lord, what 
tidings of Thorunna ?” 

Now Ospakar tossed his sword in air and caught it, laugh- 
ing. “ I came forth to seek one foe, and I have found two,” 
he cried. “ Hearken, Eric : when thou art dead I go hence 
to burn and slay at Middalhof. Shall I bear thy head as 
keepsake from thee to Gudruda? For thee, Ounound, I 
thought thee dead ; but, being yet alive, Thorunna, my sweet 
love, sends thee this,” and he hurled a spear at him with all 
his might. 

But Skallagrim catches the spear as it flies and hurls it back. 
It strikes right on the shield of Ospakar and pierces it, ay, and 
the byrnie, and the shoulder that is beneath the byrnie, so 
that Blacktooth was made unmeet for fight, and howled with 
pain and rage. 

“ Go, bid Thorunna draw that splinter forth,” said Skalla- 
grim, “ and heal the hole with kisses.” 

Now Ospakar, writhing with his hurt, shouts to his men to 
slay the two of them, and then the fight begins. 

One rushes at Eric and smites at him with an axe. The 
blow falls on his shield, and shears off the side of^t, then 
strikes the byrnie beneath, but lightly. In answer Eric sweeps 
low at him with Whiteflre and cuts his leg from under him 
between knee and thigh, and he falls and dies. 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


79 


Another rushes in. Down flashes Whitefire before he may 
smite, and he is cloven to the chin. 

Skallagrim slays a man and wounds another sore. A tall 
chief, with a red scar on his face, comes at Brighteyes. Twice 
he feints at the head while Eric watches, then lowers the 
sword beneath the cover of his shield and sweeps suddenly at 
his legs. Eric leaps high into the air, smiting downward with 
Whitefire even as he leaps, and presently that chief is dead, 
shorn through shoulder to breast. 

Now Skallagrim slays another man and grows Baresark. 
He looks so fierce that men fall back from him. 

Two rush on Eric, one from either side. The sword of 
him on the right falls on his shield and sinks in, but Bright- 
eyes twists the shorn shield so mighty that the sword is 
wrenched from the smiter’s hand. Now the other sword is 
aloft above him, and that had been Eric’s bane, but Skallagrim 
glances round and sees it about to fall. He has no time to 
turn, but he dashes the hammer of his axe backward. It falls 
full on the swordsman’s head, and the head is shattered. 

“ That was well done,” says Eric, as the sword goes down. 

“ Not so ill but it might be worse,” growls Skallagrim. 

Presently all men drew back from these two, for they have 
had enough of Whitefire and the Baresark’s axe. 

Ospakar sits on his horse, his shield pinned to his shoulder, 
and curses aloud. 

‘‘ Close in, you cowards,” he yells ; “ close in and smite them 
down bfit no man stirs. 

Then Eric mocks them. “There are but two of us,” he 
savs ; “ will no man try a game with me ? Let it not be sung 
that twenty were overcome of two.” 

Now Ospakar’s son, Mord, hears, and he grows mad with 
rage. He holds his shield aloft and rushes on. But Gizur 
the Lawman comes not, for Gizur was a coward. 

Skallagrim turns to meet Mord, but Eric says : 

“ This one for me, comrade,” and steps forward. 

Mord strikes a mighty blow. Eric’s shield is all shattered 


80 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


and can stay it ill. It crashes through and falls full on the 
golden helm, beating Brighteyes to his knee. Now he is up 
again and blows fall thick and fast. Mord is a strong man, 
unwearied and skilled in war, and Eric’s arms grow faint 
and his strength sinks low. Mord smites again and wounds 
him somewhat on the shoulder, 

Eric throws aside his cloven shield, and, shouting, plies 
Whitefire with both arms. Mord gives before him, then 
rushes and smites ; Eric leaps aside. Again he rushes, and 
lo ! Brighteyes has dropped his point, and it stands a full span 
through the back of Mord, and 'instantly that was his bane. 

Now men run to their horses, mount in hot haste, and ride 
away, crying that these are trolls that they have to do with 
here, not men. Skallagrim sees, and the Baresark fit takes 
him sore. With axe aloft he charges after them, screaming 
as he comes. There is one man, the same whom he had 
wounded. He cannot mount well, and when the Baresark 
comes he lies yet on the neck of his horse. The great axe 
wheels on high and falls, and so mighty was that stroke that 
man and horse sink dead beneath it, cloven through and 
through. Then the fit leaves Skallagrim and he comes back, 
and they are alone with the dead and dying. 

Eric leans on Whitefire and speaks : 

“ Get thee gone, Skallagrim Lambstail,” he said ; ‘‘get thee 
gone !” 

“ It shall be as thou wilt, lord,” answered the Baresark ; 
“ but I have not befriended thee so ill that thou sheuldst fear 
for blows to come.” 

“ I will endure no man with me who puts my word aside, 
Skallagrim. What did I bid thee ? Was it not that thou 
shouldst have done with the Baresark ways, and where thou 
stoodest there thou shouldst bide ? and see: thou didst for- 
get my word swiftly ! Now get thee gone !” 

“ It is true, lord,” he said. “ He who serves must serve 
wholly,” and Skallagrim turned to seek his horse. 

“ Stay,” said Eric ; “ thou art a gallant man and I forgive 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


81 


thee, but cross my will no more. We have slain nine men, 
and Ospakar goes hence sore hurt. We have got honor, and 
they manscathe and the greatest shame. Nevertheless, ill 
shall come of this to me, for Ospakar has many friends and 
will set a lawsuit on foot against me at the Althing, and thou 
didst draw the first blood.” 

“Would that the spear had gone more home,” said Skalla- 
grim. 

“ Ospakar’s time is not yet,” answered Eric ; “ still, he has 
something by which to bear us in mind.” 

6 


Chapter IX. 


HOW SWANHILD DEALT WITH GUDRUDA. 

Now it is to be told that Jon, Eric’s thrall, watched all 
night on Mosfell, but saw nothing save the light of Whitefire 
as it smote the Baresark’s head from his shoulders. He 
stayed there till daylight, much afraid ; then, making sure that 
Eric was slain, he rode hard and fast for Middalhof, whither 
he came at evening. 

Gudruda was watching by the woman’s door. She strained 
her eyes towards Mosfell to catch the light gleaming on Eric’s 
golden helm, and presently it gleamed indeed, white, not red. 

“ See,” said Swanhild at her side. “ Eric comes !” 

“ Not Eric, but his thrall,” answered Gudruda, “ to tell us 
that Eric is sped.” 

They waited in silence while the thrall galloped towards 
them. 

“ What news of Brighteyes ?” cried Swanhild. 

“ Little need to ask,” said Gudruda ; “ it is written on his 
face.” 

Now Jon told his tale and Gudruda hearkened, clinging to 
the door-post. But Swanhild flamed out and cursed him for 
a coward, so that he shrank before her burning eyes. 

Gudruda turned and walked into the hall, and her face was 
as the face of death. Men saw her, and Asmund asked why 
she wore so strange a mien. Then Gudruda sang this song : 

“Up to Mosfell, battle-eager, 

Rode helmed Brighteyes to the fray. 

Down from Mosfell, battle shunning, 

Slunk yon coward thrall, I ween. 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


83 


Now shall maid Gudruda never 
Know a husband’s dear embrace ; 

Widowed is she — sunk in sorrow — 

Eric treads Valhalla’s halls!” 

And with this she walked from the stead, looking neither 
to the right nor to the left. 

“ Let the maid be,” said Atli the Earl. “ Grief fares best 
alone. But my heart is sore for Eric. It should go ill with 
that Baresark if I might get a grip of him.” 

“ That I will before summer is gone,” said Asmund, for the 
death of Eric seemed to him the worst of all tidings. 

Gudruda walked far, and, crossing Laxa by the stepping- 
stones, climbed Stonefell till she came to the head of Golden 
Falls, for, like a stricken thing, she desired to be alone in her 
sorrow. But Swanhild saw her and followed, coming on her 
as she sat watching the water thunder down the mighty cleft. 
Presently Swanhild’s shadow fell athwart her, and Gudruda 
looked up. 

“ What wouldst thou with me, Swanhild ?” she asked. “ Art 
thou come to mock my grief ?” 

“ Nay, foster-sister, for then I must mock my own. I come 
to mix my tears with thine. ' See, we loved Eric, thou and I, 
and Eric is dead. Let our hate be buried in his grave, whence 
neither may draw him back.” 

Gudruda looked upon her coldly, for nothing could stir her 
now. 

“ Get thee gone,” she said. “ Weep thine own tears and 
leave me to weep mine. Not with thee will I mourn Eric.” 

Swanhild frowned heavily as the gathering night. “ I will 
not come to thee with words of peace a second time, my 
rival,” she said. “ Eric is dead, but my hate that was born 
of Eric’s love for thee lives on and grows, and its flower shall 
be thy death, Gudruda.” 

“ Now that Brighteyes is dead, I would fain follow on his 
path : so, if thou listest, throw the gates wide,” she answered, 
and heeded her no more. 


84 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


Swanhild went, but not far. On the farther side of a knoll 
of grass she flung herself to earth and grieved as her flerce 
heart might. She shed no tears, but sat silently, looking with 
empty eyes adown the past, and onward to the future, and 
flnding no good therein. 

But Gudruda wept as the weight of her loss pressed in upon 
her — wept heavy, silent tears, and cried in her heart to Eric, 
who was gone — cried to death to come upon her and bring 
her sleep or Eric. 

So she sat and so she grieved till, quite outworn with sor- 
row, sleep stole upon her and she dreamed. She dreamed 
that she was dead and that she sat nigh to the golden door 
that is in Odin’s house at Valhalla, by which the warriors pass 
and repass forever. There she sat from age to age, listening 
to the thunder of ten thousand thousand tramping feet, and 
watching the fierce faces of the chosen as they marched out 
in armies to do battle in the meads. And as she sat, at length 
a one-eyed man, clad in gleaming garments, drew near and 
spake to her. He was glorious to look on, and old, and she 
knew him for Odin the Allfather. 

“ Whom seekest thou, maid Gudruda ?” he asked, and the 
voice he spoke with was the voice of waters. 

“ I seek Eric Brighteyes,” she answered, “ who passed 
hither a thousand years agone, and for love of whom I am 
heart-broken.” 

“ Eric Brighteyes, Thorgrimur’s son ?” quoth Odin ; “ I 
know him well ; no brisker warrior enters at Valhalla’s doors, 
and none shall do more service at the coming of gray wolf 
Fenrir. Pass on and leave him to his glory and his god.” 

Then, in her dream, she wept sore, and prayed of Odin by the 
name of Freya that he would give Eric to her for a little space. 

“ W^hat wilt thou pay, then, maid Gudruda ?” said Odin. 

“ My life,” she answered. 

“ Good,” he said, “ for a night Eric shall be thine. Then 
die, and let thy death be his cause of death.” And Odin 
sang this song : 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


85 


“ Now, corse-choosing Daughters, hearken 
To the dread Allfather’s rede : 

When the gale of spears’ breath gathers 
Count not Eric midst the slain. 

Till Brighteyes once hath slumbered, 

Wedded, at Gudruda’s side — 

Then, Maidens, scream your battle call ; 

Whelmed with foes, let Eric fall !” 

And Gudmda awoke, but in her ears the mighty waters 
still seemed to speak with Odin’s voice, saying : 

“ Then, Maidens, scream your battle call ; 

Whelmed with foes, let Eric fall !” 

She awoke from that fey sleep and looked upward, and lo ! 
before her, with shattered shield and all besmeared with war’s 
red rain, stood gold-helmed Eric. There he stood, great and 
beautiful to see, and she looked on him trembling and amazed. 

“ Is it indeed thou, Eric, or is it yet my dream ?” she said. 

“ I am no dream, surely,” said Eric ; “ but why lookest thou 
thus on me, Gudruda ?” 

She rose slowly. “ Methought,” she said, “ methought that 
thou wast dead at the hand of Skallagrim.” And with a great 
cry she fell into his arm and lay there sobbing. 

It was a sight thus to see Gudruda the Fair, her head of 
gold pillowed on Eric’s war-stained byrnie, her dark eyes afloat 
with happy tears ; but not so thought Swanhild, watching. 
She shook in jealous rage, then crept away and hid herself 
where she could see no more, lest she should be seized with 
madness. 

“ Whence earnest thou ? ah ! whence earnest thou ?” said 
Gudruda. “ I thought thee dead, my love ; but now I 
dreamed that I prayed Odin, and he spared thee to me for a 
little.” 

“ Well, and that he hath, though hardly,” and he told her 
all that had happened, and how, as he rode with Skallagrim, 
who yet sat yonder on his horse, he saw a woman seated on 
the grass and knew the color of the cloak. 


86 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


Then Gudruda kissed him for very joy, and they were happy 
each with each — for of all things that are sweet on earth, 
there is nothing more sweet than this : to find him we loved, 
and thought dead, alive and at our side. 

And so they talked and were very glad with the joy of 
youth and love, till Eric said he must go on to Middalhof be- 
fore the light failed, for he might not come on horseback the 
way that Gudruda took, but must ride round the shoulder of 
the hill ; and, moreover, he was spent with toil and hunger, 
and Skallagrim grew weary of waiting. 

“ Go !” said Gudruda ; “ I will be there presently !” 

So he kissed her and went, and Swanhild saw the kiss and 
saw him go. 

“ Well, lord,” said Skallagrim, “ hast thou had thy fill of 
kissing ?” 

“ Not altogether,” answered Eric. 

They rode awhile in silence. 

“ I thought the maid seemed very fair,” said Skallagrim. 

“ There are women less favored, Skallagrim.” 

“ Rich bait for mighty fish !” said Skallagrim. “ This I tell 
thee : that, strive as thou mayest against thy fate, that maid 
will be thy bane and mine also.” 

“ Things foredoomed will happen,” said Eric ; “ but if thou 
fearest a maid, the cure is easy : depart from my company.” 

“ Who was the other ?” asked the Baresark — “ she who 
crept and peered, listened, then crept back again, hid her face 
in her hands, and talked with a gray wolf that came to her 
like a dog ?” 

“ That must have been Swanhild,” said Eric, “ but I saw 
her not. Ever does she hide like a rat in the thatch, and 
as for the wolf he must be her Familiar ; for like Groa, her 
mother, Swanhild plays much with witchcraft. Now I will 
away back to Gudruda, for my heart misdoubts me of this 
matter. Bide thou here till I come !” And he turns and gal- 
lops back to the head of Goldfoss. 

Now it is to be told that when Eric left her, Gudruda drew 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


8V 


yet nearer to the edge of the mighty falls and seated herself on 
the very brink. Her breast was full of joy, even to bursting, 
and there she sat and let the splendor of the sight and the 
greatness of the rushing sounds sink into her heart. Yonder 
shone the setting sun, poised, as it were, on Westman’s distant 
peaks, and here sped the great waters, and by that path Eric 
had come back to her. Yea, and there on Sheep-saddle was 
the road that he had trod down Goldfoss ; and but now he 
had slain one Baresark and won another to be his thrall, and 
they two alone had smitten the company of Ospakar, and come 
thence with honor and but little harmed. Surely no such man 
as Eric had ever lived — none so fair and strong and tender : 
and ah, she was right happy in his love ! She stretched out 
her arms towards him whom but an hour gone she had thought 
dead, but who had lived to come back to her with honor, and 
blessed his beloved name, and laughed aloud in her joyous- 
ness of heart, calling : 

“ Eric ! Eric !” 

But Swanhild, creeping behind her, laughed not. She 
heard Gudruda’s voice and guessed Gudruda’s joy, and jeal- 
ousy rose within her and rent her. Should this fair rival live 
to take her joy from her ? 

“ Gray Wolf, Gray Wolf ! what sayest thou ?” 

See, now, if she were gone, if she rolled a corpse in those 
deep boiling waters, Eric might yet be hers ; or, if he was not 
hers, yet Gudruda’s he could never be. 

“Gray Wolf ! what is thy counsel?” 

Right on the brink of the great gulf sat Gudruda. One 
stroke and all would be ended. Eric had gone ; there was no 
eye to see — none save the Gray Wolf’s ; there was no tongue 
to tell the deed that might be done. Who could call her to 
account? The gods! Who were the gods? What were 
the gods? Were they not dreams? There were no gods 
save the gods of Evil— the gods she knew and communed 
with. 

“ Gray Wolf, Gray Wolf ! what is thy rede ?” 


88 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


There sat Gudruda, laughing in the triumph of her joy, 
with the sunset glow shining on her beauty, and there, behind 
her, Swanhild crept — crept like a fox upon his sleeping prey. 

Now she is there — 

“ I hear thee. Gray Wolf ! Begone ! back to my breast. 
Gray Wolf !” 

Surely Gudruda heard somewhat? She half turned her 
head, then again fell to calling aloud to the waters : 

“ Eric ! beloved Eric ! Ah ! is there ever a light like the light 
of thine eyes ? is there ever a joy like the joy of thy kiss ?” 

Swanhild heard, and her springs of mercy froze. Hate and 
fury entered into her. She rose upon her knees and gathered 
up her strength : 

“ Seek, then, thy joy in Goldfoss,” she cried aloud, and 
with all her force she thrust. 

Gudruda fell ; a fathom or more she fell, then with a cry 
clutched wildly at a little ledge of rock, and there she hung, 
her feet resting on the shelving bank. Thirty fathoms down, 
swirled and poured and rolled the pitiless waters of the Golden 
Falls, A fathom above, red in the red light of evening, low- 
ered the pitiless face of Swanhild. Gudruda looked beneath 
her and saw. Pale with agony, she looked up and saw, but 
she said naught. 

“ Let go, my rival ; let go !” cried Swanhild ; “ there is 
none to help thee, and none to tell thy tale. Let go, I say, 
and seek thy marriage bed in Goldfoss !” 

But Gudruda clung on and gazed up with white face and 
piteous eyes. 

“ What ! art so fain of a moment's life ?” said Swanhild. 
“ Then I will save thee from thyself, for it must be hideous 
to endure thus !” and she ran to seek a rock. Now she finds 
one and, staggering beneath its weight to tne brink of the gulf, 
peers over. Still Gudruda hangs. Space yawns beneath her, 
the waters roar in her ears, the red sky glows above. She 
sees Swanhild come and shrieks aloud. 

Eric is there, though Swanhild hears him not, for the sound 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


89 


of his horse’s galloping feet is lost in the roar of waters. But 
that cry comes to his ears ; he sees the poised rock, and all 
grows clear to him. He leaps from his horse, and, even as 
she looses the stone, clutches Swanhild’s kirtle and hurls her 
hack. The rock bounds sideways and presently is lost in the 
boiling waters. 

Eric looks over. He sees Gudruda’s white face gleaming 
in the gloom. Down he leaps upon the ledge, though this is 
no easy thing. 

“ Hold fast, I come ; hold fast !” he cries. 

“ I can no more,” gasps Gudruda, and one hand slips. 

He grasps the rock and, stretching downward, grips her 
wrist ; just as her hold loosens he grips it, and she swings 
loose, her weight hanging on his arm. 

Now he needs must lift her up, and that with one hand, for 
the ledge is narrow and he dare not loose his hold of the rock 
above. She swings over the great gulf and she is senseless 
as one dead. He gathers all his mighty strength and lifts. 
His feet slip a little, then catch, and once more Gudruda 
swings. The sweat bursts out upon his forehead and his 
blood drums through him. Now it must be, or not at all. 
Again he lifts and his muscles strain and crack, and see ! she 
lies beside him on the narrow ledge. 

All is not yet done. The brink of the cleft is the height 
of a man above him. There he must lie for her, for he may 
not leave her to find aid, lest she should wake and roll into 
the chasm. Loosing his hold of the cliff, he turns, facing the 
rock, and, bending over her, twists his hands in her kirtle be- 
low the breast and above the knee. Then once more he puts 
forth his might and draws her up to the level of his breast 
and rests. Again, with all his force, he lifts her above the 
crest of his helm and throws her forward, so that now she 
lies upon the brink of the great cliff. He almost falls back- 
ward at the effort ; but, clutching the rock, he saves himself, 
and with a struggle gains her side, and lies there, panting like 
a wearied hound of chase. 


90 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


Of all trials of strength that ever were put upon his might, 
Eric was wont to say, this lifting of Gudruda was the great- 
est ; for she was no light woman, and there was little to stand 
on and almost nothing to cling to. 

Presently he rose and peered at her through the gloom. 
Still she swooned. Then he gazed about him — but Swanhild 
was gone, the witch-girl, the fain of murder. 

Then he took Gudruda in his arms, and, leading the horse, 
stumbled through the darkness, calling on Skallagrim. The 
Baresark answered, and presently his great form was seen 
looming through the darkness. 

Eric told his tale in few words. 

“ The ways of womankind are evil,” said Skallagrim ; “ but 
of all the deeds that I have known done at their hands, this 
is the worst. It had been well to hurl the wolf-witch from 
the clife.” 

“ Ay, wel],” said Eric ; “ but that song must yet be sung.” 

Now dimly lighted of the moon, by turns they bore Gudru- 
da down the mountain-side, till at length, utterly foredone, 
they saw the fires of Middalhof. 


Chapter X. 

HOW ASMUND SPOKE WITH SWANHILD. 

Now as the days went, though Atli’s ship was bound for 
sea, she sailed not, and it came about that the earl sank ever 
deeper in the toils of Swanhild. He called to mind many 
wise saws, but these availed him little ; for when love rises 
like the sun, wisdom melts like the mists. So at length it 
came to this that on the day of Eric’s coming back, Atli went 
to Asmund the Priest and asked of him the hand of Swanhild 
the Fatherless in marriage. Asmund heard and was glad, for 
he well knew that things went but ill between Swanhild and 
Gudruda, and it seemed good to him that seas should be set 
between them. Nevertheless, he thought it honest to warn 
the earl that Swaiihild was apart from other women. 

“ Thou dost great honor, lord, to my foster-daughter and 
my house,” he said. “ Still, it behooves me to move gently 
in this matter. Swanhild is fair, and she shall not go hence 
a wife undowered. But I must tell thee this : that her ways 
are dark and secret, and strange and fiery are her moods, and 
methinks that she will bring evil on the man who weds her. 
Now, I love thee, Atli, were it only for your youth’s sake, and 
thou art not altogether fit to mate with such a maid, for age 
has met thee on thy way. For, as thou wouldst say, youth 
draws to youth as the tide to the shore, and falls away from 
eld as the wave from the rock. Think, then : is it well that 
thou shouldst take her, Atli ?” 

“ I have thought much and overmuch,” answered the earl, 
stroking his gray beard ; “ but ships old and new drive before 
a gale.” 


92 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


“Ay, Atli, and the new ship rides where the old one 
founders.” 

“ A true rede, a heavy rede, Asmund : yet I am minded to 
sail this sea, and if it sink me, well, I have known fair 
weather ! Great longing has got hold of me, and I think the 
maid looks gently on me, and that things may yet go well be- 
tween us. I have many things to give such as women love. 
At the least, if thou givest me thy good word, I will risk it, 
Asmund; for the bold thrower sometimes wins the stake. 
Only I say this, that if Swanhild be unwilling, let there be an 
end of my wooing, for I do not wish to take a bride who 
turns from my gray hairs.” 

Asmund said that it should be so, and they made an end of 
talking just as the light failed. 

Now Asmund went out seeking Swanhild, and presently he 
met her near to the stead. He could not see her face, and 
that was well, for it was not good to look on, but her mien 
was wondrous wild. 

“ Where hast thou been, Swanhild ?” he asked. 

“ Mourning Eric Brighteyes,” she made answer. 

“ It is meeter for Gudruda to mourn over Eric than for 
thee, for her loss is heavy,” he said, sternly. “ What hast 
thou to do with Eric ?” 

“ Little, or much, or all — read it as thou wilt, foster-father. 
Still, all wept for are not lost, nor all who are lost wept for.” 

“ Little do I know of thy dark redes,” said Asmund. 
“ Where is Gudruda now ?” 

“High is she or low, sleeping or perchance awakened: 
naught reck 1. She also mourned for Eric, and we went nigh 
to mingling tears — near together were brown curls and gold- 
en,” and she laughed aloud. 

“Thou art surely fey, thou evil girl,” said Asmund. 

“ Ay, foster-father, fey ; yet is this but the first of my fey- 
dom. Here starts the road that I must travel, and my feet 
shall be red ere ever the journey’s done.” 

“ Leave thy dark talk,” said Asmund, “ for to me it is as 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


93 


the wind’s song, and listen : a good thing has befallen thee — 
ay, good beyond thy meed.” 

“Is it so? Well, I stand greatly in need of good. What 
are thy tidings, foster-father?” 

“ This : Atli the Earl asks thee in marriage, and he is a 
mighty man, well honored in his own land, and set higher, 
moreover, than I had looked for thee.” 

“ Ay,” answered Swanhild, “ set like the snow above the 
fells, set in the years that long are dead. Nay, foster-father, 
this white-bearded dotard is no mate for me. What ! shall I 
mix my fire with his frost, my breathing youth with the 
creeping palsy of his age ? Never ! If Swanhild weds, she 
weds not so, for it is better to go maiden to the grave than 
thus to shrink and wither at the touch of eld. Now is Atli’s 
wooing sped, and there’s an end.” 

Asmund heard and grew wroth, for the matter seemed 
strange to him, nor are maidens wont thus to put aside the 
word of those set over them. 

“ There is no end,” he said. “ I will not be answered thus 
of a girl who lives upon my bounty. It is my rede that thou 
weddest Atli, or else thou goest hence. I have loved thee, 
and for that love’s sake I have borne thy wickedness, thy dark, 
secret ways, and evil words ; but I will be crossed no more of 
thee, Swanhild.” 

“ Thou wouldst drive me hence with Groa my mother, 
though perchance thou hast yet more reason to hold me dear, 
foster-father. Fear not, I will go — perhaps farther than thou 
thinkest,” and once more she laughed, and passed from him 
into the darkness. 

X But Asmund stood looking after her. “ Truly,” he said 
in his heart, “ ill deeds arc arrows that pierce him who shot 
them. I have sowed evilly, and now I reap the harvest. 
What means she with her talk of Gudruda and the rest ?” 

Now as he thought, he saw men and horses draw near, and 
one man whose helm gleamed in the moonlight bore some- 
thinor in his arms. 


94 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


“ Who passes ?” he called. 

“Eric Brighteyes, Skallagrim Lamhstail, and Gudruda, As- 
mund’s daughter,” answered a voice ; “ who art thou ?” 

Then Asmund the Priest sprang forward, most glad at 
heart, for he never looked to see Eric again. 

“ Welcome, and thrice welcome art thou, Eric,” he cried ; 
“ for, know, we deemed thee dead.” 

* “ I have lately gone near to death, lord,” said Eric, for he 
knew the voice ; “ but I am hale and whole, though somewhat 
weary.” 

“ What has come to pass, then ?” asked Asmund, “ and 
why boldest thou Gudruda in thy arms ? Is the maid dead ?” 

“ Nay, she does but swoon. See, even now she stirs,” and 
as he spake Gudruda awoke, shuddering, and with a little cry 
threw her arms about the neck of Eric. 

He set her down and comforted her, then once more turned 
to Asmund : 

“ Three things have come about,” he said. “ First, I have 
slain one Baresark, and won another to be my thrall, and for 
him I crave thy peace, for he has served me well. Next, we 
two were set on by Ospakar Blacktooth and his fellowship, 
and, fighting for our hands, have wounded Ospakar, slain 
Mord his son, and eight other men of his following.” 

“ Those are good tidings and ill,” said Asmund, “ since 
Ospakar will ask a great weregild for these men, and thou 
wilt be outlawed, Eric.” 

“ That may happen, lord. There is time enough to think 
of it. Now there are other tidings to tell. Coming to the 
head of Goldfoss, I found Gudruda, my betrothed, mourning 
my death and spoke with her. Afterwards I left her, aiid 
presently returned again, to see her hanging over the gulf, 
and Swanhild hurling rocks upon her to crush her.” 

“ These are tidings in truth,” said Asmund — “ such tidings 
as my heart feared. Is this true, Gudruda ?” 

“ It is true, my father,” answered Gudruda, trembling. “ As 
I sat on the brink of Goldfoss, Swanhild crept behind me and 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


95 


thrust me into the gulf. There I clung above the waters, and 
she brought a rock to hurl upon me, when suddenly I saw 
Eric’s face, and after that my reason left me and I can tell no 
more.” 

Now Asmund grew as one mad. He plucked at his beard 
and stamped on the ground. “ Maid though she be,” he 
cried, “ yet shall Swanhild’s back be broken on the Stone of 
Doom for a witch and a murderess, and her body hurled into 
the pool of faithless women, and the earth will be well rid of 
her.” 

Now Gudruda looked up and smiled : “ It would be ill to 
seek such a vengeance on her, father,” she said ; “ and this 
would bring the greatest shame on thee and all our house. 
I am saved by the mercy of the gods and the might of Eric’s 
arm, and this is my counsel : that nothing be told of this tale, 
and that Swanhild be sent away where she can harm us no 
more.” 

“ She must be sent to the grave, then,” said Asmund, and 
fell to thinking. Presently he spoke again : 

“ Bid yon man fall back ; I would speak with you twain 
and Skallagrim went, grumbling. 

“ Hearken now, Eric and Gudruda, only an hour gone hath 
Atli the Good asked Swanhild of me in marriage. But now 
I met Swanhild here, and her mien was wild. Still, I spoke 
of the matter to her, and she would none of it. Now, this is 
my counsel : that choice be given to Swanhild, either that she 
go hence Atli’s wife, or take her trial in the Doom-Ring.” 

“That will be bad for the earl then,” said Eric. “Me- 
thinks he is too good a man to be played on thus.” 

“ Bairn first, then friend,” said Asmund. “ Now I will tell 
thee somewhat that, till this hour, I have hid from all, for it 
is my shame. This Swanhild is my daughter, and therefore 
I have loved her and put away her evil deeds, and she is half 
sister to thee, Gudruda. See, then, how sore is my strait, 
who must avenge daughter upon daughter.” 

“ Knows thy son Bjorn of this ?” asked Eric. 


96 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


“ None knew it till this hour, save Groa and I alone.” 

“Yet I have feared it long, father,” said Gudruda, “and 
therefore I have also borne with Swanhild, though she hates 
me much and has striven hard to draw my betrothed from 
me. Now thou canst only take one counsel, and it is : to give 
choice to Swanhild of these two things, though it is unworthy 
that Atli should be deceived, and at the best little good can 
come of it.” 

“Yet it must be done, for honor is ofttimes slain of heavy 
need,” said Asmund. “ But we must first swear this Bare- 
sark thrall of thine, though little faith lives in Baresark’s 
breast.” 

Now Eric called to Skallagrim, and charged him straightly 
that he should tell nothing of Swanhild, and of the wolf that 
he saw by her, and of how Gudruda was found hanging over 
the gulf. 

“ Fear not,” growled the Baresark ; “ my tongue is now my 
master’s. What is it to me if women do their wickedness 
one on another? Let them work magic, hate, and slay by 
stealth, so shall evil be lessened in the world.” 

“ Peace !” said Eric ; “ if anything of this passes thy lips, 
thou art no longer a thrall of mine, and I give thee up to the 
men of thy quarter.” 

“ And I cleave that wolf’s head of thine down to thy hawk’s 
eyes ; but, otherwise, I give thee peace, and will hold thee from 
harm, wood dweller as thou art,” said Asmund. 

The Baresark laughed : “ My hands will hold my head 
against ten such manikins as thou art, priest. There was 
never but one man who might overcome me, and there he 
stands, and his bidding is my law. So waste no words and 
make not niddering threats against greater folk,” and he 
slouched back to his horse. 

“A mighty man and a rough,” said Asmund, looking after 
him ; “ I like his looks little.” 

“ Natheless a strong in battle,” quoth Eric. “ Had he not 
been at my back some six hours gone, by now the ravens had 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


97 


1 

torn out these eyes of mine. Therefore, for my sake, bear 
with him.” 

Asmund said it should be so, and then they passed on to 
the stead. 

Here Eric stripped off his harness, washed, and bound up 
his wounds. Then, followed by Skallagrim, axe in hand*, he 
came into the hall as men made ready to sit at meat. Now, 
the tale of the mighty deeds that he had done, except that of 
the saving of Gudruda alone, had gone abroad, and as he 
came all men rose and with one voice shouted till the roof of 
the great hall rocked. 

Welcome, Eric Brighteyes, thou glory of the South !” 

Only Bjorn, Asmund’s son, bit his hand, and did not shout, 
for he hated Eric because of the fame that he had won. 

Brighteyes stood still till the clamor died, then said : 

“ Much noise for little deeds, brethren. It is true that I 
overthrew the Mosfell Baresarks. See, here is one,” and he 
turned to Skallagrim ; “ I strangled him in my arms on Mos- 
fell’s brink, and that was something of a deed. Then he 
swore fealty to me, and we are blood-brethren now, and 
therefore I ask peace for him, brethren — even from those 
whom he has wronged or whose kin he has slain. I know 
this, that when thereafter we stood back to back and met the 
company of Ospakar Blacktooth, who came to slay us, ay, 
and Asmund also, and bear away Gudruda to be his wife, he 
warred right gallantly, till nine of their band lay stiff on 
Horse - Head Heights, overthrown of us, and among them 
Mord, Ospakar’s son, and Ospakar went thence sore smitten 
of this Skallagrim. Therefore, for my sake, do no harm to 
this man who was Baresark, but now is my thrall ; and, more- 
over, I beg the aid and friendship of all men of this quarter 
in those suits that will be laid against me at the Althing for 
these slayings, which I hereby give out as done by my hand, 
and by the hand of Skallagrim Lambstail, the Baresark.” 

At these words all men shouted again ; but Atli the Earl 
sprang from the high seat where Asmund had placed him, 
7 


98 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


and, coming to Eric, kissed liim, and, drawing a gold chain 
from his neck, flung it about the neck of Eric, crying : 

“Thou art a glorious man, Eric Brighteyes. Methought 
the world had no more of such a breed. Hearken to my bid- 
ding: come thou to my earldom and be a son to me, and I 
will give thee all good gifts, and when I die thou shalt sit in 
my seat after me.” 

But Eric thought of Swanhild, who must go hence as wife 
to Atli, and answered : 

“ Thou doest me great honor, lord, but this may not be. 
Where the fir is planted, there it must grow and fall. Iceland 
I love, and here I will stay among my own people till I am 
driven away.” 

“That may well happen, then,” said Atli, “for be sure 
Ospakar and his kin will not let the matter of these slayings 
rest, and I think that it will not avail thee greatly that thou 
smotest for thine own hand. Then, come thou and be my 
man.” 

“ Where the Norns lead there I must follow,” said Eric, 
and sat down to meat. Skallagrim sat down also at the side 
bench, but men shrank from him, and he glowered on them 
in answer. 

Presently Gudruda entered, and she seemed pale and faint. 

When he had made an end of eating, Eric drew her on to 
his knee, and she sat there, resting her golden head upon his 
breast. But Swanhild did not come into the hall, though 
ever Earl Atli sought her dark face and lovely eyes of blue, 
and he wondered greatly how his wpoing had sped. Still, at 
this time he spoke no more of it to ]^mund. 

Now Skallagrim drank much ale, aud glared about him 
fiercely ; for he had this fault, that at times he was drunken. 
In front of him sat two thralls of Asmund’s: they were 
brothers, and large-made men, and they watched Asmund’s 
sheep upon the fells in winter. These two also grew drunk- 
en, and jeered at Skallagrim, asking him what atonement he 
would make for those ewes of Asmund’s that he had stolen 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


99 


last Yule, and how it came to pass that he, a Baresark, had 
been overthrown of a man unarmed. 

Skallagrim bore their gibes for a space as he drank on, but 
suddenly he rose and rushed on them, and, seizing a man’s 
throat in either hand, thrust them to the ground beneath him 
and went near to choking them there. 

Then Eric ran down the hall, and, putting out his strength, 
tore him from them. 

“ This, then, is thy peacefulness, thou wolf !” he cried. 
“ Thou art drunk !” 

“ Ay,” growled Skallagrim, “ ale is ma%y a man’s doom.” 

“ Have a care that it is not thine and mine then,” said Eric. 
“ Go sleep ; and, if I see thee thus once more I see thee not 
again.” 

But after this men jeered no more at Skallagrim Lambstail, 
Eric’s thrall. 


Chapter XL 

HOW SWANHILD BADE FAREWELL TO ERIC. 

Now all this while Asmund sat deep in thought ; hut when 
at length men were^ieunk in sleep he took a candle of fat and 
passed to the shut bed where Swanhild lay alone. S.he lay on 
her bed, and all about her was her curling hair. She was 
awake, for the light gleamed on her great blue eyes, and on a 
naked knife that was on the bed beside her, half hidden by 
her hair. 

“ What wouldst thou, foster-father ?” she asked, rising in 
the couch. Asmund closed to the curtains, and then looked 
on her sternly and spoke in a low voice : 

“ Thou art fair to be so vile a thing, Swanhild,” he said. 
“ Who now would have dreamed that heart of thine could 
talk with goblins and with were- wolves — that those eyes of 
thine could bear to look on murder, and those white hands 
find strength to do the deed ?” 

She held up her shapely arms and, looking on them, laughed. 
“ Would that they had been fashioned in a stronger mould !” 
she said. “ May they wither in their woman’s weakness ! else 
had the deed been done outright. Now is my crime as heavy 
on me and nothing gained by it. Say what fate for me, fos- 
ter-father — the Stone of Doom and the pool where faithless 
women lie ? Ah, then might Gudruda laugh indeed, and I 
will not live to hear that laugh. See,” and she gripped the 
dagger at her side ; “ along this bright edge runs the path 
to peace and freedom, and, if need be, I will tread it.” 

“ Be silent,” said Asmund. “ This Gudruda, my daughter, 
whom thou wouldst have foully done to death is thine own 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


101 


sister, and it is she who, pitying thee, hath pleaded for thy 
life.” 

“ I will naught of her pity who have no pity,” she answered ; 
“ and this I say to thee who art my father : shame he on thee 
that thou hast not dared to own thy love child !” 

“ Hadst thou not been my child, Swanhild, and had I not 
loved thee secretly as my child, be sure of this, I had long 
since driven thee hence ; for my eyes have been open to much 
that I have not seemed to see. But at length thy wickedness 
has overcome my love, and I will see thy face no more. Lis- 
ten : none have heard of this shameful deed of thine save 
those who saw it, and their tongues are sealed. Now I give 
thee choice : wed Atli and go or stand in the Doom-ring and 
take thy fate.” 

“ Have I not said, father, that, while death may be sought 
otherwise, I will never do this last ! Nor will 1 do the first. I 
am not all of the tame breed of you Iceland folk — other and 
quicker blood runs in my veins ; nor will I be sold in marriage 
to a dotard as a heifer is sold at a fairing. I have answered.” 

“ Fool, think again, for I go not back upon my word. Wed 
Atli or die — by thy own hand, if thou wilt — therein I will not 
gainsay thee ; or, if thou fearest this, then in the Doom-ring.” 

Now Swanhild covered her eyes with her hands and shook 
the long hair about her face, and she seemed wondrous fair 
to Asmund the Priest, who watched. And as she sat thus it 
came into her mind that marriage is not the end of a young 
maid’s life — that old husbands have been known to die, and 
that she might rule this Atli and his earldom and become a 
rich and honored woman, setting her sails in such fashion that 
when the wind turned it would fill them. Otherwise she must 
die — ay, die shamed, and leave Gudruda with her love. 

Suddenly she slipped from the bed to the floor of the cham- 
ber, and, clasping the knees of Asmund, looked up, while tears 
streamed from her beautiful eyes : 

“ I have sinned,” she sobbed — “ I have sinned greatly against 
thee and my sister. Hearken : I was mad with love of Eric, 


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ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


whom from a child I have turned to, and she is fairer than I 
and she took him from me. Most of all was I mad this night 
when I did the deed of shame, for ill things counselled me — 
things that I called not ; and oh, I thank the gods — if there 
are gods — that Gudruda died not at my hand. See now, 
father, I put this evil from me and tear Eric from my heart,” 
and she made as though she rent her bosom — “ I will w'ed 
Atli, and be a good housewife to him, and I crave but this of 
Gudruda : that she forgive me her wrong ; for it was not done 
of my wull, but of my madness, and of the driving of those 
whom my mother taught me to know.” 

Asmund listened and the springs of his love thawed within 
him. “ Now thou dost take good counsel,” he said, “ and of 
this be sure, that so long as thou art of this mood none shall 
harm thee ; and for Gudruda, she is the most gentle of wom- 
en, and it may well be that she will put away thy sin. So 
weep no more, and have no more dealings with thy Finnish 
witchcraft, but sleep ; and to-morrow I will bear thy word to 
Atli, for his ship is bound and thou must swiftly be made a 
wife.” 

He went out, bearing the light with him ; but Swanhild 
rose from the ground and sat on the edge of the bed, staring 
with big eyes on the darkness and shuddering from time to 
time. 

“ Soon shall I be made his wife,” she shuddered, “ who 
would be but one man’s wife — and methinks soon shall 1 be 
made a widow also. Thou wilt have me, old dotard ; take me 
and thy fate. Well, well; better to wed an earl than to be 
shamed and stretched across the Doom-stone. O weak arms 
that failed me at my need, no more will I put trust in you ! 
When next I wound, it shall be with the tongue ; when next 
I strive to slay, it shall be by another’s hand. Curses ! curses 
on thee ! thou ill counsellor of darkness, who didst betray me 
at the last ! Is it for this that I worshipped thee and swore 
the oath?” 

The morning came, and at the first light Asmund sought 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


103 


the earl. His heart was heavy because of the guile that his 
tongue must practise, and his face was dark as a winter dawn. 

“What news, Asmund?” asked Atli. “Early tidings are 
ill tidings, so runs the saw, and thy looks give weight to it.” 

“ Not altogether ill, earl. Swanhild gives herself to thee.” 

“ Of her own will, Asmund ?” 

“ Ay, of her own will. But I have warned thee of her 
temper.” 

“ Her temper ! Little hangs to a maid’s temper. Once a 
wife and it will melt in softness like the snow when summer 
comes. These are glad tidings, comrade, and methinks I 
grow young again beneath the breath of them. Why art thou 
then so glum ?” 

“ There is something that must yet be told of Swanhild,” 
said Asmund. “ She is called the Fatherless, but, if thou 
wilt have the truth, why, here it is for thee — she is my daugh- 
ter, born out of wedlock, and I know not how that will please 
thee.” 

Atli laughed aloud, and his bright eyes shone in his wrin- 
kled face. “ It pleases me well, Asmund, for then is the maid 
sprung of a sound stock. Love-got, well got — so runs the 
saw, and the matter troubles me little. Fair trees grow of 
chance-sown seed, and no marriage feast in Iceland has bred 
a comelier maid. Is that all ?” 

“ One more thing, earl. This I charge thee : Watch thy 
wife, and hold her back from witchcraft and from dealings 
with evil things and trolls of darkness. She is of Finnish 
blood, and the women of the Finns are much given to such 
wicked work.” 

“ I set little store by witchwork, goblins, and their kin,” 
said Atli. “ I doubt me much of their’ power, and I shall 
soon wean Swanhild from such ways, if indeed she practise 
them.” 

Then they fell to talking of Swanhild’s dower, and that was 
not small. Afterwards Asmund sought Eric and Gudruda, and 
told them what had come to pass^ and they were glad at the 


104 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


news, though they grieved for Atli the Earl. And when 
Swanhild met Gudruda she came to her humbly, and humbly 
kissed her hand, and with tears craved pardon for her evil do- 
ing, saying she had been mad ; nor did Gudruda withhold it, 
for of all women she was the gentlest and most forgiving. 
But to Eric, Swanhild said nothing. 

The wedding feast must be held on the third day from this, 
for on the same day Atli would sail, since his people wearied 
of waiting and his ship might lie bound no longer. Blithe 
was Atli the Earl, and Swanhild was all changed, for now she 
seemed the gentlest of maids, and, as befitted one about to be 
made a wife, moved about the house with soft words and 
downcast eyes. But Skallagrim, watching her, bethought him 
of the gray wolf that he had seen by Goldfoss, and this 
seemed not well. 

“ It would be ill now,” he said to Eric, as they rode to 
Coldback, “ to stand in yon old earl’s shoes. This woman’s 
weather has changed too fast, and after such a calm there’ll 
come a storm indeed. I am now minded of Thorunna, for 
she went just so the day before she gave herself to Ospakar, 
and me to shame and bonds.” 

“ Talk not of the raven till you hear his croak,” said 
Eric. 

“ lie is on the wing,” answered Skallagrim. 

Now Eric came to Coldback in the Mars, and Saevuna, his 
mother, and Unna, Thorod’s daughter, the betrothed of As- 
mund, were glad to give him welcome ; for the tidings of his 
mighty deeds and the overthrow of Ospakar and the slaying 
of Mord were noised far and wide. But at Skallagrim Lambs- 
tail they looked askance. Still, when they heard of those 
things that he had wrought on Horse-Head Heights, they wel- 
comed him for his deeds’ sake. 

Eric sat two nights at Coldback, and on the. second day 
Saevuna, his mother, and Unna rode thence with their servants 
to the wedding feast of Swanhild the Fatherless. But Eric 
stopped at Coldback that night, saying that he would be at 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


105 


Middalhof within two hours of sunrise, for he must talk with 
a shepherd who came from the fells. 

Saevuna and her company came to Middalhof and she was 
asked, first of Gudruda, then of Swanhild, why Brighteyes 
tarried. She answered that he would be there early on the 
morrow. Next morning, before it was light, Eric girded on 
Whitefire, took horse, and rode from Middalhof alone, for he 
would not bring Skallagrim, fearing lest he should wax drunk- 
en at the feast and shed some man’s blood. It was Swanhild’s 
wedding day ; but she greeted it with little lightsomeness of 
heart, and her eyes knew no sleep that night, though they 
were heavy with tears. 

And at the first light she rose, and, gliding from the house, 
walked through the heavy dew down the path by which Eric 
must draw near, for she desired to win speech with him. Gu- 
druda also rose a while after, though she knew not this, and 
followed on the same path, for she would greet her lover at 
his coming. 

Now three furlongs or more from the stead stood a vetch 
stack, and Swanhild waited on the farther side of this stack. 
Presently she heard the sound of singing come from behind 
the shoulder of the fell and the tramp of horses’ hoofs. Then 
she saw the golden wings of Eric’s helm all ablaze with the 
sunlight as he rode merrily along, and great bitterness laid hold 
of her that Eric could be of such a joyous mood on the day 
when she who loved him must be made the wife of another man. 

Presently he was before her, and Swanhild stepped from 
the shadow of the stack and laid her hand upon his bridle. 

“ Eric,” she said, humbly and with bowed head, “ Gudruda 
sleeps yet. Canst thou, then, find time to hearken to my 
word ?” 

He frowned and said : “ Methinks it would be better if thou 
gavest thy words to him who is thy lord.” 

She let the bridle rein drop from her white hands. “ I am 
answered,” she said, “ ride on.” 

Now pity stirred in Eric’s heart, for her mien was most 


106 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


heavy, and he leaped down from his horse. “ Nay,” he said, 
“ speak on if thou hast anything to tell me.” 

“ I have this to tell thee, Eric : that now, before we part 
forever, I am come to crave thy pardon for my ill-doing — ay, 
and to wish all joy to thee and thy fair love,” and she sobbed 
and choked. 

“ Speak not more of it, Swanhild,” he said, “ but let thy 
good deeds cover up the ill, which are not small ; so thou 
shalt be happy.” 

She looked at him strangely, and all her face was white 
with pain. 

“ How, then, are we so differently fashioned that thou, Eric, 
canst prate to me of happiness when my heart is racked with 
grief ? Oh, Eric ! I blame thee not, for thou hast not wrought 
this evil on me willingly ; but I say this : that my heart is 
dead within me, as I would that I were dead. See those flow- 
ers : they smell sweet — for me they have no odor. Look on 
the light leaping from Coldback to the sea, from the sea to 
Westman Isles, and from the Westman crown of rocks far 
into the wide heavens above. It is beautiful, is it not ? Yet 
I tell thee, Eric, that now to my eyes howling winter darkness 
is every whit as fair. Joy is dead within me, music’s but a 
jangled madness in my eyes, food hath no savor on my tongue, 
my youth is sped ere yet my dawn is day. Nothing is left 
to me, Eric, save this fair body that thou didst scorn, and 
such dreams as I may gather from my hours of scanty sleep, 
and such shame that thou canst never know — ah ! such shame 
as shall cover me to-night.” 

“ Speak not so, Swanhild,” he said, and clasped her by the 
hand, for though he loathed her wickedness, being soft- 
hearted and but young, it grieved him to hear her words and 
see the anguish of her mind. For it is so with men, that they 
are easily moved by the pleading of a fair woman who loves 
them, even though they love her not. 

“ Yea, I will speak out all my mind before I seal it up for- 
ever. See, Eric, this is my state and thou hast set this crown 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


107 


of sorrow on my brows ; and thou comest singing down the 
fell, and I go weeping o’er the sea! I am not all so ill at 
heart. It was love of thee that drove me down to sin, as love of 
thee might otherwise have lifted me to holiness. But, loving 
thee as thou seest, this day I wed a dotard, and go his chattel 
and his bride across the sea, and leave thee singing on the fell, 
and by thy side that fair robber of my joy. Thou hast done 
great deeds, Bri^hteyes, and still greater shalt thou do ; yet 
but as echoes they shall reach my ears. Thou wilt be to me 
as one dead, for it is Gudruda’s to bind the byrnie on thy 
breast when thou goest forth to war, and hers to loose the 
winged helm from thy brow when thou returnest, battle-worn 
and conquering. So now farewell ; doubtless I Aveary thee, 
and — Gudruda waits. Nay, look not on my foolish tears; 
they are the heritage of woman. Of naught else is she 
sure I While I live, Eric, morn by morn the thought of thee 
shall come to wake me as the sun wakes yon snowy peak, and 
night by night thy memory shall pass as at eve he passes from 
the valleys but to dawn again in dreams. For, Eric, ’tis thee 
I wed to-day — at heart I am thy bride, thine and thine only ; 
and when shalt thou find a wife who holds thee so dear as that 
Swanhild whom once thou knewest? So now farewell! Yes, 
this time thou shalt kiss away my tears, then let them stream 
forever. Thus Eric ! and thus ! and thus ! do I take farewell 
of thee.” 

And now she clung about his neck, gazing on him with great 
dewy eyes till things grew strange and dim, and he must kiss 
her if only for her love and tender beauty’s sake. And so he 
kissed ; and it chanced, as they clung thus, Gudruda, passing 
by this path to give her betrothed greeting, came upon them 
and stood as.tonished. Then she turned and, putting her 
hands to her head, fled back swiftly to the stead and waited 
there, great anger burning in her heart ; for Gudruda had this 
fault, that she was very jealous. 

Now Eric and Swanhild saw her not, and presently they 
parted, and Swanbild Aviped her eyes and gliaed thence. 


108 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


As she drew near the stead she found Gudruda watching. 

“ Where hast thou been, Swanhild ?” she said. 

“ To bid farewell to Brighteyes, Gudruda.” 

“ Then thou art foolish, for doubtless he thrust thee from 
him.” 

“ Nay, Gudruda, he drew me to him. Hearken, I say, thou 
sister. Vex me not, for I go my ways and thou goest thine. 
Thou art strong and fair, and therefore thou hast overcome 
me. But I am also fair, and, if I find space to strike in, I 
also have a show of strength. Pray thou that I find not space, 
Gudruda. Now is Eric thine. Perchance one day he may 
be mine. It lies in the lap of the Norns.” 

“ Fair words from Atli’s bride,” mocked Gudruda. 

“ Ay, Atli’s bride, but never Atli’s love !” said Swanhild, 
and swept on. 

A while after Eric rode up. He was shame-faced and vexed 
at heart, because he had yielded thus to Swanhild’s beauty, 
and been melted of her tender words and kissed her. Then 
he saw Gudruda, and at the sight of her all thought of Swan- 
hild passed from him ; for her he loved, and her alone. He 
leaped down from his horse and ran to her. But, drawn to her 
full height, she stood with dark flashing eyes and fair face set 
in anger. 

Still, he would have greeted her loverwise ; but she lifted 
her hand and waved him back, and fear took hold of him. 

“ What now, Gudruda ?” he asked, faltering. 

“ What now, Eric ?” she answered, faltering not. “ Hast 
seen Swanhild?” 

“Yea, I have seen Swanhild. She came to bid farewell to 
me. What of it ?” 

“ What of it ? AVhy ‘ thus ! and thus ! and thus !’ didst thou 
bid farewell to Atli’s bride. Ay, ‘ thus and thus,’ with cling-' 
ing lips and twined arms. Warm and soft was thy farewell 
kiss to her who would have slain me, Brighteyes !” 

“Gudruda, thou speakest truth, though how thou sawest I 
know not. Think no ill of it, and scourge me not with words ; 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


109 


for, sooth to say, I was melted by her grief and the music of 
her talk.” 

It is shame to thee so to speak of her whom but now thou 
heldest in thine arms. By the grief and the music of the talk 
of her who would have murdered me thou wast melted into 
kisses, Eric — for I saw it with these eyes ! Knowest thou 
what I am minded to say to thee ? It is this : ‘ Go hence and 
see me no more for I have little wish to cleave to such a 
feather man, to one so blown about by the first breath of wom- 
an’s tempting.” 

“ Yet, methinks, Gudruda, I have withstood some such 
winds. I tell thee that, hadst thou been in my place, thyself 
hadst yielded to Swanhild and kissed her in farewell, for she 
was more than woman in that hour.” 

“ Nay, Eric, I am no weak man to be led astray thus. Yet 
she is more than woman — troll is she also, that I know ; but 
less than man art thou, Eric, thus to fall before her who hates 
me. Times may come when she wooes thee after a stronger 
soft, and what wilt thou say to her then, thou who art so ready 
with thy kisses ?” 

“I will withstand her, Gudruda, for I love thee only, and 
this is well known to thee.” 

“ Truly I know thou lovest me, Eric ; but tell me of what 
worth is this love of man that eyes of beauty and tongue 
of craft may so readily bewray ? I doubt me of thee, 
Eric !” 

“ Nay, doubt me not, Gudruda. I love thee alone, but I 
grew soft as wax beneath her pleading. My heart consented 
not, yet I did consent. I have no more to say.” 

Now Gudruda looked on him long and steadfastly. “ Thy 
plight is sorry, Eric,” she said, “ and this once I forgive thee. 
Look to it that thou givest me no more cause to doubt thee, 
for then I shall remember how thou didst bid farewell to 
Swanhild.” 

“ I will give none,” he answered, and would have embraced 
her ; but this she would not suffer then, nor for many days 


110 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


after, for she was angry with him. But with Sw^anhild she 
was still more angry, though she said nothing of it. That 
Swanhild had tried to murder her, Gudruda could forgive, for 
there she had failed; hut not that she had won Eric to kiss 
her, for in this she had succeeded well. 


Chapter XII. 

HOW ERIC WAS OUTLAWED AND SAILED A-VIKING. 

Now the marriage feast went on, and Swanhild, draped in 
white and girt about with gold, sat by Atli’s side upon the 
high seat. He was fain of her and drew her to him, but she 
looked at him with cold, calm eyes, in which hate lurked. 
The feast was done, and all the company rode to the sea- 
strand, where the earl’s ship lay at anchor. They came there, 
and Swanhild kissed Asmund, and talked awhile with Groa, 
her mother, and bade farewell to all men. But she bade no 
farewell to Eric and to Gudruda. 

“ Why sayest thou no word to these two ?” asked Atli, her 
husband. 

“ For this reason, earl,” she answered, “ because ere long we 
three shall meet again ; but I shall see Asmund, my father, 
and Groa, my mother, no more.” 

“ That is an ill saying, wife,” said Atli. “ Methinks thou 
dost foretell their doom.” 

“ Mayhap ! And now I will add to my redes, for I foretell 
thy doom also ; it is not yet, but it draws on.” 

Then Atli bethought him of many wise saws, but spoke no 
more, for it seemed to him this was a strange bride that he 
had wed. 

They hauled the anchor home, shook out the great sail, and 
passed away into the evening light. But while land could yet 
be seen, Swanhild stood near the helm, gazing with great eyes 
upon the lessening coast. Then she passed to the cabin and 
shut herself in alone, and there she stayed till at length, after 


112 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


a fair voyage of twenty days, they made the Orkney Isl- 
ands. 

But all this pleased Atli wondrous ill, yet he dared not 
cross her mood. 

Now, in Iceland the time drew on when men must ride to 
the Althing, and notice was given to Eric Brighteyes of many 
suits that were laid against him, in that he had brought Mord, 
Ospakar’s son, to his death, dealing him a brain or a body or 
a marrow wound, and others of that company. But no suits 
were laid against Skallagrim, for he was already outlaw. 
Therefore he must go in hiding, for men were out to slay him, 
and this he did unwillingly at Eric’s bidding. Asmund took 
up Eric’s case, for he was the most famous of all lawmen in 
that day ; and when thirteen full weeks of summer were done 
they two rode to the Thing, and with them a great company 
of men of their quarter. 

Now, men go up to the Logberg, and there came Ospakar, 
though he was not yet healed of his wound, and all his com- 
pany, and lay their suits against Eric by the mouth of Gizur 
the Lawman, Ospakar’s son. The pleadings were long and 
cunning on either side ; but the end of it was that Ospakar 
brought it about by the help of his friends — and of these he 
had many — that Eric must go into outlawry for three years. 
But no weregild was to be paid to Ospakar and his men, be- 
cause of the manscathe that they had got, and no atonement 
for the great wound that Skallagrim Lambstail gave him, or 
for the death of Mord, his son, inasmuch as Eric fought for 
his own hand to save his life. 

The party of Ospakar were ill pleased at this finding, and 
Erie was not over-glad, for it was little to his mind that he 
should sail a-warring across the seas while Gudruda sat at 
home in Iceland. Still, there was no help. 

Now Ospakar spoke with his company, and the end of it 
was that he called on them to take their weapons and avenge 
themselves by their own might. Asmund and Eric, seeing 
this, mustered their array of freemen and thralls. There were 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


113 


one hundred and five of them, all stout men ; but Ospahar 
Blacktooth’s band numbered a hundred and thirty -three, and 
they stood with their backs to the Raven’s Rift. 

“ Now I would that Skallagrim were here to guard my back,” 
said Eric, “ for before this fight is done few will be left to tell 
its tale.” 

“ It is a sad thing,” said Asmund, “ that so many men must 
die because some men are now dead.” 

“ A very sad thing,” said Eric, and took this counsel. He 
stalked alone towards the ranks of Ospakar and called in a loud 
voice, saying : 

“ It would be grievous that so many warriors should fall in 
such a matter. Now hearken, you company of Ospakar 
Blacktooth ! If there be any two among you who will dare to 
match their might against my single sword in holmgang, here 
I, Eric Brighteyes, stand and wait them. It is better that 
one man, or perchance three men, should fall than anon so 
many should roll in the dust. What say ye ?” 

Now all those who watched called out that this was a good 
offer, and a manly one, though it might turn out ill for Eric ; 
but Ospakar' answered : 

“ Were I but w’ell of my wound, I alone would cut that 
golden comb of thine, thou braggart ; as it is, be sure that 
two shall be found.” 

“ Who is the braggart ?” answered Eric. “ He who twice 
has learned the weight of this arm and yet boasts his strength, 
or I who stand craving that two should come against me? Get 
thee hence, Ospakar ; get thee home and bid Thorunna, thy 
leman, who thou didst beguile from the Ounound who now is 
named Skallagrim Lambstail, the Baresark, nurse thee whole of 
the wound her husband gave thee. Be sure we shall yet stand 
face to face, and that combs shall be cut then — combs black or 
golden. Nurse thee ! nurse thee ! cease thy prating — get thee 
home, and bid Thorunna nurse thee ; but first name thou the 
two who shall stand against me in holmgang in Oxara River.” 

Folk laughed aloud while Eric mocked, but Ospakar gnashed 
8 


114 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


his teeth with rage. Still, he named the two mightiest men 
in his company, bidding them take up their swords against 
Brighteyes. This, indeed, they were loath to do ; still, be- 
cause of the shame that they must get if they hung back, 
and for fear of the wrath of Ospakar, they made ready to 
obey. 

Then all men passed down to the bank of Oxara, and, on 
the other side, people came from their booths and sat them 
on the slope of All Man’s Raft, for it was a new thing that one 
man should fight two in holmgang. 

Now Eric crossed to the island where holmgangs are fought 
to this day, and after him came the two chosen, flourishing 
their swords bravely and taking counsel how one should rush 
at his face, while the. other passed behind his back and spit- 
ted him, as wood folk spit a lamb. Eric drew Whitefire and 
leaned on him, waiting for the word ; and all the women held 
him to be wondrous fair as, clad in his byrnie and his golden 
helm, he leaned thus on Whitefire. Presently the word was 
given, and lo ! Eric, standing not to defend himself, as they 
deemed he surely would, whirled great Whitefire round his 
helm and rushed headlong on his foes, shield aloft. 

The great carles saw the light that played on Whitefire’s 
edge and the other light that burned in Eric’s eyes, and ter- 
ror got hold of them. Now he was almost come, and White- 
fire sprang aloft like a tongue of flame. Then they stayed no 
more, but, running one this way and one that, cast themselves 
into the flood and swam for the river edge. Now from either 
bank rose up a roar of laughter, that grew and grew, till it 
echoed against the lava rifts and scared the ravens from their 
nests. 

Eric, too, stopped his charge and laughed aloud; then 
walked back to where Asmund stood, to second him in the 
holmgang. 

“ I can get little honor of such champions as these,” he 
said. 

“Nay,” answered Asmund, “thou hast got the greatest 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


115 


honor, and they and Ospakar such shame as may not be 
■wiped out.” 

Now when Blacktooth saw what had come to pass he well- 
nigh choked, and fell from his horse in fury. Still, he could 
find no stomach for fighting, but, mustering his company, rode 
straightway from the Thing home again to Swinefell. But he 
caused those two whom he had put up to do battle with Eric 
to be set upon with staves and driven from his following, and 
the end of it was that they might stay no more in Iceland, but 
took ship and sailed south, and now they are out of the story. 

On the next day, Asmund, and with him Eric and all their 
men, rode back to Middalhof. Gudruda greeted Eric well, and 
for the first time since Swanhild went she kissed him. More- 
over, she wept bitterly when she learned that he must fare 
into outlawry, while she must bide at home. 

“ How shall the days pass by, Eric,” she said, “ when thou 
art far, and I know not where thou art, nor how it goes with 
thee, nor if thou livest or art already dead ?” 

“ In sooth I cannot say. Sweet,” he answered ; “ but of this 
I am sure, that, wheresoever I am, yet more weary shall be my 
hours.” 

“ Three years,” she went on — “ three long, cold years, and 
no sight of thee, and perchance no tidings from thee, till may- 
hap I learn that thou art in that land whence tidings cannot 
come. Oh, it would be better to die than to part thus.” 

“ Well I wot that it is better to die than to live, and better 
never to have been born than to live and die,” answered Eric, 
sadly. “ Here, it would seem, is nothing but hate and strife, 
weariness and bitter envy to fret away our strength, and at 
last sorrowful age and death, and thereafter we know not 
what. Little of good do we find to our hands, and much of 
evil; nor know I for what ill doing these burdens are laid 
upon us. Yet must we needs breathe such an air as is blown 
about us, Gudruda, clasping at that happiness which is given, 
though we may not hold it. At the worst, the game will soon 
be played, and others will stand where we have stood, and 


116 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


strive as we have striven, and fail as we have failed, and so 
on, till man hath worked out his doom, and the gods cease 
from their wrath, or Ragnarrok come upon them, and they, 
too, are lost in the jaws of gray wolf Fenrir.” 

“ Men may win one good thing, and that is fame, Eric.” 

“ Nay, Gudruda,.what is it to win fame ? Is it not to raise up 
foes, as it were, from the very soil, who, mad with secret hate, 
would fain stab us in the back ? Is it not to lose peace, and 
toil on from height to height only to be hurled down at last ? 
Happy is the man whom fame flies from, for hers is a deadly 
gift, and never shall he sleep sound who wears that crown 
about his brows.” 

“ Yet there is one thing left that thou hast not numbered, 
Eric, and it is love — for love is to our life what the sun is to 
the world, and, though it seems to set in death, yet it may rise 
again. We are happy, then, in our love, for there are many 
who live their lives and find it not.” 

So these two, Eric Brighteyes and Gudruda the Fair, talked 
sadly, for their hearts were heavy, and on them lay the shad- 
ows of sorrows that were to come. 

“ Say, Sweet,” said Eric at length, “ wilt thou that I go not 
into banishment? Then I must fall into outlawry, and my 
life will be in the hands of him who may take it ; yet I think 
that my foes will find it hard to come by while my strength 
remains, and at the worst I do but turn to meet the fate that 
dogs me.” 

Nay, that I will not suffer^ Brighteyes. Now we will go 
to my father, and he shall give thee his dragon of war — she is 
a good vessel — and thou shalt man her with the briskest men 
of our quarter ; for there are many who will be glad to fare 
abroad with thee, Eric. Soon she shall be bound and thou 
shalt sail straightway, Eric ; for the sooner thou art gone the 
sooner the three years shall be sped, and thou shalt come back 
to me. But, oh that I might go with thee !” 

Now Gudruda and Eric went to Asmund and spoke of this 
matter. 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


117 


“ I desired,” he answered, “ that thou, Eric, shouldst bide 
here in Iceland till after harvest, for it is then that 1 would 
take Unna, Thorod’s daughter, to wife, and it was meet that 
thou shouldst sit at the wedding feast and give her to me.” 

“ Nay, father, let Eric go,” said Gudruda, “ for well begun 
is, surely, half done. He must remain three years in out- 
lawry ; add thou.no day to them, for, if he stays here for long, 
1 know this : that I shall find no heart to let him go ; and if 
go he must, then shall I go with him.” 

“ That may never be,” said Asmund ; “ thou art too young 
and fair to sail a-viking down the sea path. Hearken, Eric. 
I give thee the good ship, and now we will go about to find 
stout men to man her.” 

“ That is a good gift,” said Eric ; and afterwards they rode 
to the seashore and overhauled the vessel as she lay in her 
shed. She was a great dragon of war, long and slender, and 
standing high at stem and prow. She was fashioned of oak, 
all bolted together with iron, and at her prow was a gilded 
dragon most wondrously carved. 

Eric looked on her and his eyes brightened. 

“ Here rests a wave horse that shall bear a viking well,” he 
said. 

“ Ay,” answered Asmund, “ of all the things I own this ship 
is the very best. She is so swift that none may catch her, 
and she can almost go about in her own length. That gale 
must be heavy that shall fill her, with thee to steer ; yet I give 
her to thee freely, Eric ; and thou shalt do great deeds with 
this my gift, and, if things go well, she shall come back to 
this shore at last, and thou in her.” 

“ Now I will name this war gift with a new name,” said 
Eric. “ ‘ Gudruda,’ I name her ; for, as Gudruda here is the 
fairest of all women, so is this the fairest of all war dragons.” 

“ So be it,” said Asmund. 

Then they rode back to Middalhof, and now Eric Bright- 
eyes let it be known that he needed men to sail the seas with 
him. Nor did he ask in vain ; for when it was told that Eric 


118 , 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


went a-viking, so great was his fame grown that many a stout 
yeoman and many a great-limbed carle reached down sword 
and shield and came unto Middalhof to put their hands in his. 
For mate he took a certain man named Hall of Lithdale, and 
this because Bjorn asked it, for Hall was a friend to Bjorn, 
and he had, moreover, great skill in all manner of seamanship, 
and had often sailed the Northern Seas — ay, and round Eng- 
land to the coast of France. 

But when Gudruda saw this man, she liked him little, be- 
cause of his sharp face, uncanny eyes, and smooth tongue, and 
she prayed Eric to have nothing to do with him. 

“ It is too late now to talk of that,” said Eric. “ Hall is 
a well-skilled man, and, for the rest, fear not, I will watch 
him.” 

“ Then evil will come of it,” said Gudruda. 

Skallagrim also liked Hall little, nor did Hall love Skalla- 
grim and his great axe. ^ 

At length all were gathered ; they were fifty in number, and 
it was said that no such^band of men ever took ship from Ice- 
land. 

Now the great dragon was bound and all her faring goods 
aboard of her, and Eric must sail on the morrow if the winds 
were fair. All day long he stalked to and fro among his 
men; he would trust nothing to others, and there was no 
sword or shield in his company but he himself had proved it. 
All day long he stalked, and at his back went Skallagrim 
Lambstail^ axe on shoulder, for he would never leave Eric if 
he had his will, and they were a mighty pair. 

At length all was ready and men sat down to the faring- 
feast in the hall at Middalhof, and that was a great feast. 
Eric’s folk were gathered on the side benches, and by the high 
seat at Asmund’s side sat Brighteyes, and near to him were 
Bjorn, Asmund’s son, Gudruda, TJnna, Asmund’s betrothed, 
and Saevuna, Eric’s mother. For this had been settled be- 
tween Asmund and Eric, that his mother, Saevuna, who was 
now somewhat sunk in age, should flit from Coldback and 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


119 


come with Unna to dwell at Middalhof. But Asmiind set a 
trusty grieve to dwell at Coldback and mind the farm. 

When the faring toasts had been drunk Eric spoke to As- 
mund, and said : “ I fear one thing, lord, and it is that when 
I am gone Ospakar will trouble thee. Now, I pray you all to 
beware of Blacktooth, for, though the hound is whipped, he 
can still bite, and methinks he has not yet put Gudruda from 
his mind.” 

Now Bjorn had sat silently, thinking much and drinking 
more, for he loved Eric less than ever on this day when he 
saw how all men did him honor, and mourned his going,vand 
his father not the least of them. 

“ Methinks it is thou, Eric,” he said, “ whom Ospakar hates, 
and thee on whom he would work his vengeance, and that for 
no light cause.” 

“ When ill sits in thy neighbor’s house, she knocks upon 
thy door, Bjorn. Gudruda, thy sister, is my betrothed, and 
thou art a party to this feud,” said Eric. “ Therefore it be- 
comes thee better to hold her honor and thy own against this 
Northlander than to gird at me for that in which I have no 
blame.” 

Bjorn grew wroth at these words. “ Prate not to me,” he 
said. “ Thou art an upstart who wouldst teach their duty to 
thy betters — ay, puffed up with light-won fame, like a feather 
on the breeze. But I say this : the breeze shall fail, and thou 
shalt fall upon the goose’s back once more. And I say this 
also, that, had I my will, Gudruda should wed Ospakar ; for 
he is a mighty chief, and not a long-legged carle, outlawed for 
man-slaying.” 

Now Eric sprang from his seat and laid hand upon the hilt 
of Whitefire, while men murmured, for they held that an ill 
speech of Bjorn’s. 

“ In thee, it seems, I have no friend,” said Eric, “ and hadst 
thou been any other man than Gudruda’s brother, forsooth 
thou shouldst answer for thy mocking words. This I tell thee, 
Bjorn, that, wert thou twice her brother, if thou plottest with 


120 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


Ospakar when I am gone, thou shalt pay shrewdly for it when 
I come back again. I know thy heart well : it is cunning and 
greedy of gain, and filled with envy as a beaker with ale ; yet, 
if thou lovest to feel it beating in thy breast, strive not to 
work me mischief and to put Gudruda from me.” 

Now Bjorn sprang up also and drew his sword, for he was 
white with rage ; but Asmund cried “ Peace !” in a great 
voice. 

“ Peace !” he said. “ Be seated, Eric, and take no heed of 
this foolish talk. And for thee, Bjorn, art thou the Priest of 
Middalhof and Gudruda’s father, or am I ? It has pleased me 
to betroth Brighteyes to Gudruda, and it pleased me not to 
betroth her to Ospakar, and that is enough for thee. For the 
rest, Ospakar would have slain Eric, not he Ospakar ; therefore 
^ Eric’s hands are clean. Though thou art my son, I say this, 
that, if thou workest ill to Eric when he is over sea, thou shalt 
rightly learn the weight of Whitefire ; it is a niddering deed 
to plot against an absent man.” 

Eric sat down, but Bjorn strode scowling from the hall, 
and, taking horse, rode south ; nor did he and Eric meet again 
till years v/ere come and gone, and then they met but once. 

“ Maggots shall be bred of that fiy, nor shall they lack flesh 
to feed on,” said Skallagrirn in Eric’s ears as he watched 
Bjorn pass. But Eric bade him to be silent, and turned to 
Gudruda. 

“ Look not so sad, sweet,” he said, “ for hasty words rise 
like the foam on mead, and pass as soon. It vexes Bjorn that 
thy father has given me the good ship ; but his anger will 
soon pass, or, at the very worst, I fear him not while thou art 
true to me.” 

“ Then thou hast little to fear, Eric,” she answered. “ Look 
now on thy hair. It grows long as a woman’s, and that is ill, 
for at sea the salt will hang to it. Say, shall I cut it for thee ?” 

“ Yes, Gudruda.” 

So she cut his yellow locks, and one of them lay upon her 
heart for many a day. 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


121 


“ Now thou shalt swear to me,” she whispered in his ear, 
“ that no other man or woman shall cut thy hair till thou 
comest back to me and I clip it again.” 

“ That I swear, and readily^” he answered. “ I will go long- 
haired like a girl for thy sake, Gudruda.” 

He spoke low, but Koll the Half-witted, Groa’s thrall, heard 
this oath and kept it in his mind. 

Very early on the morrow all men rose, and, taking horse, 
rode once more to the seaside till they came to the shed where 
the “ Gudruda ” lay. 

Then, when the tide was high, Eric’s company took hold of 
the black ship’s thwarts, and at his word dragged her with 
might and main. She ran down the greased blocks and sped 
on quivering to the sea, and as her dragon prow dipped in the 
water people cheered aloud. 

Now Eric must bid farewell to all, and this he did with a 
brave heart till at the last he came to Saevuna, his mother, 
and Gudruda, his dear love. 

“ Farewell, son,” said the old dame ; “ I have little hope 
that these darkening eyes shall look again upon that bonny 
face of thine, yet I am well paid for thy birth-pains, for few 
have borne such a man as thou. Think of me at times, for 
without me thou hadst never been. Be not led astray of 
women, nor lead them astray, or ill shall overtake thee. Be 
not quarrelsome because of thy great might, for there is 
a stronger than the strongest. Spare a fallen foe, and take 
not a poor man’s goods or a brave man’s sword ; but, when 
thou smitest, smite home. So shalt thou win honor, and, at 
the last, peace, that is more than honor.” 

Eric thanked her for her counsel and kissed her, then turned 
to Gudruda, who stood, white and still, plucking at her golden 
girdle. 

“ What can I say to thee ?” he asked. 

“ Say naught, but go,” she answered ; “ go before I weep.” 

“ Weep not, Gudruda, or thou wilt unman me. Say, thou 
wilt think on me ?” 


122 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


“ Ay, Eric, by day and by night.” 

“ And thou wilt be true to me ?” 

“ Ay, till death and after, for so long as thou cleavest to me 
I will cleave to thee. I will first die rather than betray thee. 
But of thee I am not so sure. Perchance thou mayest find 
Swauhild in thy journeyings, and crave more kisses of her?” 

“ Anger me not, Gudruda ! Thou knowest w’ell that I hate 
Swanhild more than any woman. When I kiss her again, 
then thou mayest wed Ospakar.” 

“ Speak not so rashly, Eric,” she said, and as she spoke 
Skallagrim drew near. 

“If thou lingerest here, lord, the tide will serve us little 
round Westmans,” he said, eying Gudruda as it were with 
jealousy. 

“ I come,” said Eric. “ Gudruda, fare thee well !” 

She kissed him and clung to him, but made no answer, for 
she could speak no more. 


Chapter XIII. 

HOW HALL THE MATE CUT THE GRAPNEL CHAIN. 

Gudruda bent her head like a drooping flower, and pres- 
ently sank to earth, for her knees would bear her weight 
no more ; but Eric marched to the lip of the sea, his head 
held high, and laughing merrily to hide his pain of heart. 
Here stood Asmund, who gripped him by both hands, and 
kissed him on the brow, bidding him good luck. 

“ I know not whether we may meet again,” he said, “ but, 
if any hours be sped ere thou returnest, this I charge 
thee : that thou mindest Gudruda well, for she is the sweetest 
of all women that I have known, and I hold her the most 
dear.” 

“ Fear not for that, lord,” said Eric ; “ and I charge thee 
this, that, if I come back no more, as well may happen, force 
not Gudruda into marriage, if she wills it not, and I think she 
will have little leaning that way. And I say this also : count 
not overmuch on Bjorn, thy son, for he has no loyal heart; 
and beware of Groa, who was thy housekeeper, for she loves 
not that Unna should take her place and more. And now I 
thank thee for many good things, and farewell.” 

“ Farewell, my son,” said Asmund, “ for in this hour thou 
seemest more than son to me.” 

Eric turned to enter the sea and wade to the vessel, but 
Skallagrim caught him in his mighty arms as though he were 
but a child, and, wading into the surf till the water covered 
his w’aist-belt, bore him to the vessel, and lifted him up so that 
he caught the bulwarks in his hands. 

Then they loosed the cable and got out the oars and soon 


124 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


were dancing over the sea. Presently the breeze caught them, 
and they set the great sail and sped away like a gull towards 
the Westman Isles. But Gudruda sat on the shore watching 
till, at length, the light faded from Eric’s golden helm as he 
stood upon the poop, and all the world grew dark to her. 

Now it is to he told that Ospakar Blacktooth had tidings of 
this sailing and took counsel of Gizur, his son, and the end of 
it was that they made ready two great ships, dragons of war, 
and, placing sixty fighting men in each of them, sailed round 
the Iceland coast to the Westmans and waited there to way- 
lay Eric. They had spies on the land, and from them they 
learned of Brighteyes’ coming, and sailed out to meet him 
in the channel between the greater and the lesser islands, where 
they knew that he must pass. 

Now it drew towards evening when Eric rowed down this 
channel, for the wind had fallen and he desired to he clear at 
sea. Presently, as the “ Gudruda ” came near to the mouth of 
the channel, having high cliffs on either hand, Eric saw two 
long dragons of war — for their bulwarks were shield-hung — 
glide from the cover of the island and take their station side 
by side between him and the open sea. 

“ Now here be vikings,” said Eric to Skallagrim. 

“ Now here is Ospakar Blacktooth,” answered Skallagrim, 
for well I know that raven banner of his. This is a good 
voyage, for but a little while must we seek before we come to 
fighting.” 

Eric bade the men lay on their oars, and spoke : 

“ Before us is Ospakar Blacktooth with two great dragons, 
and he is here to cut us off. Now two choices are left to us : 
one is to bout ship and run before him, and the other to row 
on and give him battle. What say ye, comrades ?” 

Hall of Lithdale, the mate, answered, saying : 

“Let us go back, lest we die. The odds are too great, 
Eric.” 

But a man from among the crew cried out, “ When thou 
didst go on holragang at Thing valla, Eric, Ospakar’s two 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


125 


chosen champions stood before thee, yet at Whitefire’s flash 
they skurried through the water like startled ducks. It was 
an omen, for so shall his great ships fly when we swoop on 
them.” Then the others shouted : 

“ Ay, ay ! Never let it be said that we fled from Ospakar ! 
Fie on thy woman’s talk. Hall !” 

“ Then we are all of one mind, save Hall only,” said Eric. 
“ Let us put Ospakar to the proof.” And while men shouted 
“ Yea !” he turned to speak to Skallagrim. The Baresark was 
gone, for, wasting no breath in words, already he was fixing 
the long shields on the bulwark rail. 

Now men busked on their harness and made them fit for 
fight, and when all was ready Eric mounted the poop, and 
with him Skallagrim, and bade the rowers give way. The 
“ Gudruda ” leaped forward and rushed on towards Ospakar’s 
ships. Now they saw that these were bound together with a 
cable, and yet they must go betwixt them. 

Eric ran forward to the prow, and with him Skallagrim, and 
called aloud to a great man who stood upon the ship to star- 
board, wearing a black helm with raven’s wings : 

“ Who art thou who bars the seas against me ?” 

“ I am named Ospakar Blacktooth,” answered the great 
man. 

“ And what must we lose at thy hands ?” 

“ But one thing — your lives,” answered Blacktooth. 

“ Thrice have we stood face to face, Ospakar,” said Eric, 
and methinks that heretofore thou hast won no great glory. 
Now it shall be proved if thy luck has bettered.” 

“ Art yet healed, lord, of that prick in the shoulder that 
thou earnest by on Horse -Head Heights?” roared Skalla- 
grim. 

For answer, Ospakar seized a javelin and hurled it straight 
at Eric, and it had been his death had he not caught it in his 
hand as it flew. Then he cast it back, and that so mightily 
that it sped right through the shield of Ospakar, and was the 
bane of a man who stood beside him. 


126 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


“ A gift for a gift !” laughed Eric. On rushed the “ Gudruda ” 
now, but the cable was strained six fathoms from her bow that 
held together the ships of Ospakar, and it was too strong for 
breaking. Eric looked and saw. Then he drew Whitefire, 
and, while all men wondered, leaped over the prow of the ship 
and, clasping the golden dragon’s head with his arm, set his 
feet upon its claws and waited. On she sped and the spears 
flew thick and fast about him, but there Brighteyes hung. 
Now the “Gudruda’s” bow caught the great rope and strained 
it taut, and, as it rose beneath her weight, Eric smote swift and 
strong with Whitefire and clove it in two, so that the severed 
ends fell with a splash into the quiet water. 

Eric sprang back to deck while the spears hissed about 
him. 

“Well done was that, lord,” said Skallagrim ; “now we 
shall be snugly berthed.” 

“ In oars and out grappling-irons !” shouted Eric. 

Up rose the rowers, and their war-gear rattled as they rose. 
They drew in the great oars, and that none too soon, for now 
the “ Gudruda” forced her way betwixt the two dragons of Os- 
pakar and lay with her bow to their sterns. Then with a 
shout Eric’s men cast the irons, and soon they were locked 
fast and the fight began. The spears flew thick, and on either 
side some got their death before them. Then the men of that 
vessel named the “ Raven,” which was to larboard of the “ Gu- 
druda,” made ready to board. On they came with a rush, and 
were driven back, though hardly, for they were many, and 
those who stood against them few. Again they came, scram- 
bling over the bulwarks, and this time a score of them 
leaped aboard. Eric turned from the fight against the 
dragon of Ospakar and saw it. Then, with Skallagrim, 
he rushed to meet the boarders as they swarmed along 
the hold, and naught might they withstand the axe and 
sword. 

Through and through them swept the mighty pair; now 
Whitefire flashed, and now the great axe fell, and at every 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


127 


stroke a man lay dead or wounded to the death. Six of them 
turned to fly, but just then the grappling-iron broke, and their 
ship drifted out with the tide towards the open sea, and pres- 
ently no man of that twenty was left alive. 

Now the men of the ship of Ospakar and of the “ Gudruda ” 
pressed each other hard. Thrice did Ospakar strive to come 
aboard, and thrice he was pushed back. Eric was ever where 
he was most needed, and with him Skallagrim ; for these two 
threw themselves about from side to side, and were now here 
and now there, so that it seemed as though there were not 
one golden helm and one black, but rather six on board the 
“ Gudruda.” 

Eric looked and saw that the other ship was drawing round, 
though somewhat slowly, to come alongside of them once 
more. 

“ Now we must make an end of Ospakar, else our hands 
shall be overfull,” he said, and therewith sprang upon the bul- 
warks and after him many men. Once they were driven back, 
but came on again, and now they thrust all Ospakar’s men be- 
fore them and passed up his ship on both boards. By the 
mast stood Ospakar, and with him Gizur, his son, and Eric 
strove to come at him. But many men were between them, 
and he might not do this. 

Presently, while the fight yet went on hotly and men fell 
fast, Brighteyes felt the dragon of Ospakar strike, and, look- 
ing, saw that they had drifted with the send of the tide on to 
the rocks of the island. There was a great hole in the hull 
amidships, and the water rushed in. 

“ Back, men ! back !” he cried, and all his folk that were 
unhurt ran and leaped on board the “ Gudruda ;” but Ospakar 
and his men sprang into the sea and swam for the shore. 
Then Skallagrim cut loose the grappling-irons with his axe, 
and that none too soon ; for scarcely had they pushed clear 
with great toil when the long war ship slipped from the rock 
and foundered, taking many dead and wounded men with 
her. 


128 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


Now Ospakar and some of his people stood safe upon the 
rocks, and Eric called to him in mockery, to come aboard the 
“ Gudruda.” 

Ospakar made no answer, but stood gnawing his hand, while 
the water ran from him. Only Gizur, his son, cursed them 
aloud. 

Eric was greatly minded to follow them, and land and slay 
them there ; but this he might not do, because of the rocks 
and of the other dragon, that hung about them, fearing to 
come on and yet not willing to go back. 

“Her at the least we will have,” said Eric, and bade the 
rowers take to their oars. 

Now, when the men on board the other ship saw the “ Gu- 
druda ” drawing on, straightway they took to their oars, and 
rowed swiftly for the sea, and thereon a great roar of laughter 
went down Eric’s ship. 

“ They shall not so easily slip from us,” said Eric ; “ give 
way, comrades, and after them !” 

But the men were much wearied with fighting, and the 
decks were all cumbered with dead and wounded, so that by 
the time that they had put about and come to the mouth of 
the waterway, Ospakar’s vessel had shaken out her sails and 
caught the wind, that now blew strong off shore, and sped 
away six furlongs or more from Eric’s prow. 

“ Now we shall see how the ‘Gudruda’ sails,” said Eric, and 
they spread their canvas and gave chase. 

Then Eric had men clear the decks of the dead and tend 
the wounded. He had lost seven men slain outright, and 
three were wounded, one to death. But on board the ship 
there lay of Ospakar’s force twenty-and-three dead men. 

When all were cast into the sea, men ate and rested. 

“We have not done so badly,” said Eric to Skallagrim. 

“ We shall do better yet,” said Skallagrim to Eric ; “ rather 
had I seen Ospakar’s head lying in the scuppers than those 
of all his carles ; for he may get more men, but never another 
head !” 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


129 


Now tlie wind freshened till by midnight it blew strongly. 
The mate Hall came to Eric and said : 

“ The * Gudruda ’ dips her nose deep in Ean’s cup. Say, Eric, 
shall we shorten sail ?” 

“ Nay,” answered Eric, “ keep her full and bail. Where 
yonder ‘ Raven ’ flies my sea-stag must follow,” and he pointed 
to the war ship that rode the waves before them. 

After midnight clouds came up, with rain, and hid the face 
of the night-sun and the ship they sought. The wind blew 
even harder, till at length, when the rain had passed and the 
clouds lifted, there was much water in the hold, and the bail- 
ers might hardly stand at their work. 

Men murmured, and Hall, the mate, murmured most of all ; 
but still Eric held on, for there, not two furlongs ahead of 
them, rode the dragon of Ospakar. But now, being afraid 
of the wind and sea, she had lowered her sail somewhat, and 
made as though she would put about and run for Ice- 
land. 

“ That she may not do,” called Eric to Skallagrim ; “ if 
once she rolls side on to those seas, Ran has her, for she must 
fill and sink.” 

“ So they hold, lord,” answered Skallagrim ; “ see, once 
more she runs !” 

“Ay, but we run faster — she is outsailed. Up, men, up! 
for presently the fight begins.” 

“ It is bad to join battle in such a sea,” quoth Hall. 

“ Good or bad,” growled Skallagrim, “ do thou thy lord’s 
bidding,” and he half lifted up his axe. 

The mate said no more, for he misdoubted him of Skalla- 
grim Lambstail and his axe. 

Then men made ready for the fray as best they might, and 
stood, sword in hand and drenched with foam, clinging to the 
bulwarks of the “Gudruda” as she wallowed through the 
seas. 

Eric went aft to the helm and seized it. Now but a length 
ahead Ospakar’s ship labored on beneath her small sail, but 


130 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


the ‘‘ Gudruda ” rushed towards her with all canvas set, and at 
every leap plunged her golden dragon beneath the surf and 
shook the water from her foredeck. 

“ Make ready the grapnel !” shouted Eric through the 
storm. Skallagrim seized the iron and stood by. Now the 
“Gudruda” rushed alongside the “ Raven,” and Eric steered so 
skilfully that there was a fathom space, and no more, between 
the ships. 

Skallagrim cast the iron well and truly, so that it hooked 
and held. On sped the “ Gudruda,” and the cable tautened. 
Now her stern kissed the bow of Ospakar’s ship, as though 
she were towing her, and thus for a space they travelled 
through the seas. 

Eric’s folk shouted and strove to cast spears, but they did 
this but ill, because of the rocking of the vessel. As for Os- 
pakar’s men, they clung to the bulwarks and did nothing, for 
all the heart was out of them between fear of Eric and terror 
of the sea. Eric called to a man to take the helm, and 
Skallagrim crept aft to where he stood. 

“ What counsel shall we take now ?” said Eric, and as he 
spoke a sea broke over them — for the gale was strong. 

“ Board them and make an end,” answered Skallagrim. 

“ Rough work ; still, we will try it,” said Eric, “ for we may 
not lie thus for long, and I am loath to leave them.” 

Then Eric called for men to follow him, and many an- 
swered, creeping as best they might to w^here he stood. 

“ Thou art mad, Eric,” said Hall, the mate ; “ cut loose and 
let us drive, else we shall both founder, and that is a poor 
tale to tell.” 

Eric took no heed, but, watching his chance, leaped on to 
the bows of the “ Raven,” and after him leaped Skallagrim. 
Even as he did so, a great sea came and swept past and over 
them, so that half the ship was hid for foam. Now, Hall, the 
mate, stood near to the grapnel cable, and, fearing lest they 
should sink, out of the cowardice of his heart he let his axe 
fall upon it and severed it, and that so swiftly that no man 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


131 


saw him, except Skallagrim only. Forward sprang the “ Gu- 
druda” freed from her burden, and rushed away before the 
wind, leaving Eric and Skallagrim alone upon the “ Raven’s ” 
prow. 

“ Now we are in evil plight,” said’ Eric ; “ the cable has 
parted !” 

‘‘ Ay,” answered Skallagrim, “ and that losel Hall hath 
parted it ! I saw his axe fall.” 


Chapter XIV. 

HOW ERIC DREAMED A DREAM. 

Now when the men of Ospakar, who were gathered on the 
poop of the dragon, saw what had come about, they shouted 
aloud and made ready to slay the pair. But Eric and Skalla- 
grirn clambered to the mast and got their backs against it, 
and swiftly made themselves fast with a rope, so that they 
might not fall with the rolling of the ship. Then the people 
of Ospakar came on to cut them down. 

But this was no easy task, for they might scarcely stand, 
and they could not shoot with the bow. Moreover, Eric and 
Skallagrim, being bound to the mast, had the use of both 
hands and were minded to die hard. Therefore Ospakar’s 
folks got but one thing by their onslaught, and that was 
manscathe, for three of their number fell beneath the long 
sweep of Whitefire, and one bowed before the axe of Skalla- 
grim. Then they drew back and strove to throw spears at 
these two, but they flew wide because of the rolling of the 
ship. One spear struck the mast near the head of Skallagrim. 
He drew it out, and, waiting till the ship steadied herself in 
the trough of the sea, hurled it mightily at a knot of Ospakar’s 
thralls, and a man got his death from it. After that they 
threw no more spears. 

Then once more they came on with swords and axes, but 
faint-heartedly, and the end of it was that they lost four more 
men dead and wounded, and fell back again. 

Skallagrim mocked at them with bitter words, and one of 
them, made mad thereby, cast a heavy ballast stone at him. 
It fell upon his shoulder and numbed him. 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


133 


“Now I am unmeet for fight, lord,” said Skallagrim, “for 
my right arm is dead, and I can scarcely hold my axe.” 

“ That is ill, then,” said Eric, “ for we have little help, save 
from each other, and I, too, am wellnigh spent. Well, we 
have done a great deed, and now it is time to rest.” 

“ Yet is my left arm whole, lord, and I can make shift for 
a while with it. Cut loose the cord ere they bait us to death, 
and let us rush upon these dogs and fall fighting.” 

“ A good counsel,” said Eric, “ and a quick end ; but stay 
a while ; what plan have they now ?” 

Now the men of Ospakar, having little heart left in them 
for such work as this, had taken thought together. 

“ We have got great manscathe and little honor,” said the 
mate. “There are but nineteen of us left alive, and that is 
scarcely enough to work the ship, and it seems that we shall 
be fewer before Eric Brighteyes and Skallagrim Lambstail lie 
quiet by yonder mast. They are mighty men, indeed, and it 
would be better, methinks, to deal with them by craft rather 
than by force.” 

The sailors said that this was a good word, for they were 
weary of the sight of Wildfire as he flamed on high and the 
sound of the axe of Skallagrim as it crashed through helm 
and byrnie ; and as fear crept in valor fled out. 

“ This is my rede, then,” said the mate ; “ that we go to 
them and give them peace, and lay them in bonds, swearing 
that we will put them ashore when we are come back to Ice- 
land. But when we have them fast, as they sleep at night, 
we will creep on them and hurl them into the sea, and there- 
after we will say that we slew them fighting.” 

“ An ill deed,” said a man. 

“ Then go thou up against them,” answered the mate. 
“ If we slay them not, then shall this tale be told against us 
throughout Iceland : That a ship’s company were worsted of 
two men, and we may not live beneath that shame.” 

The man held his peace, and the mate, laying down his 
arms, crept forward alone, towards the mast, just as Eric and 


134 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


Skallagrim were about to cut themselves loose and rush on 
them. 

“ What wouldst thou ?” shouted Eric. “ Has it gone so 
well with you with arms that ye are minded to come up 
against us bearing none ?” 

“ It has gone ill, Eric,” said the mate, “ for ye twain are 
too mighty for us. We have lost many men, and we shall 
lose more ere ye are laid low. Therefore we make you this 
offer : That you lay down your arms and suffer yourselves to 
be bound till such time as we touch land, where we will set 
you ashore, and give you your arms again ; and, meanwhile, we 
will deal with you in friendly fashion, giving you of the best 
we have ; nor will we set on foot any suit against you for 
those of our number whom ye two have slain,” 

“ Wherefore, then, should we be bound ?” said Eric. 

“ For this reason only : that we dare not leave you free 
within our ship. Now choose, and if ye will, take peace, 
which we swear by all the gods we will keep towards you ; 
and if ye will not, then we will bear you down with beams 
and sails and stones, and slay you.” 

“ What thinkest thou, Skallagrim ?” said Eric beneath his 
breath. 

“ Methinks I find little faith in yon carle’s face,” answered 
Skallagrim. “ Still, I am unfit to fight, and thy strength is 
spent, so that it seems that we must lie low if we would rise 
again. They can scarcely be so base as to do murder, having 
handselled peace to us.” 

“ I am not so sure of that,” said Eric ; “ still, starving 
tramps must eat of bones. Hearken thou : we take the 
terms, trusting to your honor, and I say this, that ye shall 
get shame and death if ye depart from them to harm us.” 

“ Have no fear, lord,” said the mate ; “ we are true men.” 

“ That we shall look to your deeds to learn,” said Eric, lay- 
ing down his sword and shield. , 

Skallagrim did likewise, though with no good grace. Then 
men came with strong cords and bound them fast hand and 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


135 


foot, handling them fearsomely as men handle a live hear in 
a net. Then they led them forward to the prow. 

As they went Eric looked up. Yonder, twenty furlongs 
and more away, sailed the “ Gudruda.” 

“ This is good fellowship,” said Skallagrim, “ thus to leave 
us in a trap.” 

“ Nay,” answered Eric. “ They may not put about in such 
a sea, and doubtless also they hold us dead. Nevertheless, if 
ever it comes about that Hall and I stand face to face again, 
there will be need for me to think on gentleness.” 

“ I shall think little thereon,” growled Skallagrim. 

Now they were come to the prow, and there was a half-deck 
under which they were set, out of reach of the wind and wa- 
ter, In the deck was a stout iron ring, and the men made 
them fast with ropes to it, so that they might move but little, 
and they set their helms and weapons behind them in such 
fashion that they could in no wise come at them. Then they 
flung cloaks about them, and brought them food and drink, 
of which they stood much in need, and treated them well in 
every way. But for all this Skallagrim trusted them no more. 

“ We are new-hooked, lord,” he said, “ and they give us 
line. Presently they will haul in.” 

“ Evil comes soon enough,” answered Eric ; “ small need to 
run to greet it,” and he fell to thinking of Gudruda, and of 
the day’s deeds, till presently he dropped asleep, for he was 
very weary. 

Now it chanced that as Eric slept he dreamed a dream so 
strong and strange that it seemed to live within him. He 
dreamed that he slept there beneath the “ Raven’s ” deck, and 
that a rat came and whispered spells into his ear. Then he 
dreamed that Swanhild glided towards him, walking on the 
stormy seas. He saw her afar, and she came swiftly ; and ever 
the sea grew smooth before her feet, nor did the wind so 
much as stir her hair. Presently she stood by him in the 
ship, and, bending over him, touched him on the shoulder, 
saying : 


136 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


“ Awake, Eric Brighteyes ! Awake ! awake !” 

It seemed to him that he awoke and said, “ What tidings, 
Swanhild ?” and that she answered : 

“ III tidings, Eric — so ill that I am come hither from Strau- 
mey to tell of them — ay, come walking on the seas. Had 
Gudruda done as much, thinkest thou ?” 

■ “ Gudruda is no witch,” he said. 

“ Nay, hut I am a witch, and it is well for thee, Eric. Ay, 
I am a witch. Now do I seem to sleep at Atli’s side, and lo ! 
here I stand by thine, and I must journey back again many a 
league before another day be born — ah, many a league, and 
all for love of thee, Eric. Hearken, for not long may the 
spell endure. I have seen this by my magic : that these men 
who bound thee come even now to take thee, sleeping, and 
cast thee and thy thrall into the deep, there to drown,” 

“ If it is fated it will befall,” he said in his dream. 

“ Nay, it shall not befall. Put forth all thy might and burst 
thy bonds. Then fetch Whitefire ; cut away the bonds of 
Skallagrim, and give him his axe and shield. This done, 
place the cords loosely about you, and wait till ye hear the 
murderers come. Then rise and rush on them, the two of 
you, and they shall melt before your might. I have journeyed 
over the great deep to tell thee this, Eric. Had Gudruda 
done as much, thinkest thou ?” 

And it seemed to him that the wraith of Swanhild kissed 
him on the brow, sighed and vanished, bearing the rat in her 
bosom. 

Eiic awoke suddenly, even as though he had never slept, 
and looked around. He knew by the lowness of the sun that 
it was far into the night, and that he had slept for many 
hours. They were alone beneath the deck, and far aft, beyond 
the mast, as the vessel rose upon the waves, for the sea was 
still rough, though the wind had fallen somewhat, he saw the 
mate of the “ Raven ” talking earnestly with some men of his 
crew. Skallagrim snored beside him. 

“ Awake,” he said, ‘‘ awake and listen !” 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


137 


He yawned and aroused himself. “ What now, lord ?” he said. 

“ This,” said Eric, and he told him the dream that he had 
dreamed. 

“ That was a fey dream,” said Skallagrim, “ and now we 
must do as the wraith hade thee.” 

“ Easy to say, hut hard to do,” quoth Eric ; “ this is a great 
rope that holds us, and a strong.” 

“Yea, it is great and strong ; still, we must burst it.” 

Now Eric and Skallagrim were made fast in this fashion ; 
their hands were bound behind them, and their legs were 
lashed above the feet and above the knee. Moreover, a thick 
cord was fixed about the waist of each, and this cord was 
passed through the iron ring and knotted there. But it 
chanced that beneath the hollows of their knees ran an oaken 
beam, which held the fore part of the dragon together. 

“We may try this,” said Eric ; “ to set our feet against the 
beam, and strain with all our strength upon the rope ; though 
I doubt that no two men may part it.” 

“ That we shall know presently,” said Skallagrim, gathering 
up his legs. 

Then they set their feet against the beam and pulled till it 
groaned; but though the rope gave somewhat, it would not 
break. They rested awhile, then strained again till the sweat 
burst out upon them and the rope cut into their flesh, but still 
it would not break. 

“ Now we have found our match,” said Eric. 

“ That is not altogether proved yet,” answered the Bare- 
sark. “ Many a shield is riven at the third stroke.” 

So once again they set their feet against the beam, and put 
forth all their strength. 

“ The ring bends,” gasped Eric. “ Now, when the roll of 
the ship throws our weight to leeward, in the name of Thor, 
pull !” 

They waited, then put out their strength, and lo ! though 
the rope broke not, the stout iron burst asunder and they 
rolled upon the deck. 


138 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


“ Well pulled, truly,” said Skallagrim as lie struggled to his 
haunches ; “I am marked about the middle with rope twists 
for many a day, that I will swear. What next, lord ?” 

“ Whitefire,” said Eric. 

Now their arms were piled a fathom or more from where 
they sat, and right in the prow of the ship. Hither, then, 
they must crawl upon their knees, and this was weary work, 
for ever as the ship rolled they fell, and might in no wise save 
themselves from hurt. Eric was bleeding at the brow, and 
bloody was the hooked nose of Skallagrim, before they came 
to where Whitefire was. At length they reached the sword, 
and pushed aside the bucklers that were over it with their 
heads. The great war blade was sheathed, and Eric must 
needs lie upon his chest and draw it with his teeth. 

“ This is an ill razor to shave with,” he said, rising, for the 
keen blade had cut his chin. 

“ So some have thought and perchance more shall think,” 
answered Skallagrim. “ Now set the rope on the edge and 
rub.” 

This they did, and presently the thick cord that bound 
them was in two. Then Eric knelt upon the deck and pressed 
the bonds that bound his legs upon the blade, and after him 
Skallagrim. They were free now, except for their hands, 
and it was no easy thing to cut away the bonds upon their 
wrists. It was done thus : Skallagrim sat upon the deck, and 
Eric pushed the sword between his fingers with his feet. 
Then the Baresark rose, holding the sword, and Eric, turning 
back to back with him, fretted the cords upon his wrists 
against the blade. Twice he cut himself, but the third time 
the cord parted and he was free. He stretched his arms, for 
they were stiff ; then took Whitefire and cut away the bonds 
of Skallagrim. 

“ How goes it with that hurt ?” he asked. 

“ Better than I had thought,” answered Skallagrim, “ the 
soreness has come out with the bruise.” 

“That is good news,” said Eric, “for methinks, unless 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


139 


Svvanhild walked the seas for nothing, thou wilt soon need 
thine arms.” 

“ They have never failed me yet,” said Skallagrim, and took 
his axe and shield. “ What counsel now ?” 

“ This, Skallagrim ; that we lie down as we were, and put 
the ropes about us as though they yet were whole. Then, if 
these knaves come, we can take them unawares as they think 
to take us.” 

So they went again to where they had been bound, and lay 
down their shields and weapons, drawing cloaks over them. 
Moreover, they made the rope fast to the broken ring, but in 
such fashion that it would not hold. Scarcely had they done 
this and rested awhile, when they saw the mate and all the 
crew coming along both boards towards them. They bore no 
weapons in their hands. 

“ None too soon did Swanhild walk,” said Eric ; “ now we 
shall learn their purpose. Be thou ready to leap forth when 
I give the word.” 

“ Ay, lord,” answered Skallagrim, as he worked his stiff 
arm to and fro. “ In such matters none have thought me back- 
ward.” 

“ AVhat news, friends ?” cried Eric, as the men drew near. 

“ 111 news for thee, Brighteyes,” answered the mate, “ and 
that Baresark thrall of thine, for we must loose your bands.” 

“ That is good news, then,” said Eric, “ for our limbs are 
numb and dead because of the nipping of the cords. Is land 
in sight ?” 

“ Nay, nor will be for thee, Eric.” 

‘‘How now, friend? how now? Sure, having handselled 
peace to us, ye mean no harm towards two unarmed men?” 

“ We swore to do you no harm, nor will we, Eric. This 
only will we do : Deliver you, bound, to Ran, and leave her 
to deal with you as deal she may.” 

“Bethink yon, sirs,” said Eric; “this is a- cruel deed and 
most unmanly. We yielded to you in faith ; will ye break 
your troth ?” 


140 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


*• War lias no troth,” he answered ; “ ye are too great to 
let slip between our fingers. Shall it be said of us that two 
men overcame us all ?” 

“ Mayhap !” murmured Skallagrim beneath his breath. 

“ Oh, sirs, I beseech you,” said Eric. “ I am young, and 
there is a maid who waits me out in Iceland, and it is hard to 
die,” and he made as though he wept, while Skallagrim 
laughed within his sleeve, for it was strange to see Eric feign- 
ing fear. 

But men mocked aloud. 

“ This is the great man,” they cried, “ this is that Eric of 
whose deeds folk sing ! Lo ! he weeps like a child when he 
sees the water. Drag him forth and away with him into the 
sea !” 

“ Little need for that,” cried Eric, and lo ! the cords about 
him and Skallagrim burst asunder. Out they came with a 
roar, they came out as a she bear from her cave, and lo ! high 
above Brighteyes’ golden curls Whitefire shone in the pale 
light, and nigh to it shone the axe of Skallagrim. Whitefire 
fiared aloft, then down he fell and was hidden awhile in the 
false heart of the mate. Shone the great axe of Skallagrim 
and was lost in the breast of the carle who stood before 
him. 

“ Trolls !” shrieked one. “ Here are trolls !” and turned to 
fiy. But again Whitefire was up, dnd that man fiew not far 
— one pace, no more. Then they fled screaming, and after 
them came axe and sword. They fled, they fell, they leaped 
into the sea, till none were left to fall and leap, for they had 
no time or heart to draw their weapons ; and presently Eric 
Brighteyes and Skallagrim Lambstail stood alone upon the 
deck — alone with the dead. 

“ Swanhild is a wise witch,” gasped Eric, “ and, whatever 
ill she has done, I will remember this to her honor.” 

“ Little good comes of witchcraft,” answered Skallagrim, 
wiping his brow ; “ to-day it works for our hands, to-morrow 
it shall work against them.” 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


141 


“ To the helm !” said Eric ; “ the ship yawns and comes side 
on to the seas.” 

Skallagrim sprang to the tiller and put his strength on it, 
and that none too soon, for oUe big sea came aboard them and 
left much water in the hold. 

“ We owe this to thy Baresark ways,” said Eric. “Hadst 
thou not slain the steersman we had not filled with water.” 

“ True, lord,” answered Skallagrim. “ But when once my 
axe is aloft it seems to fly of itself, till nothing is left before 
it. What course now ?” 

“ The same on which the ‘ Gudruda ’ was laid. Perhaps, if 
we may endure till we come to the Farey Isles, we shall find 
her in harbor there !” 

“ There is little chance of that,” said Skallagrim ; “ still, the 
wind is fair and we fly fast before it.” 

Then they lashed the rudder and set to bailing. They 
bailed mightily, and it was heavy work, but they rid the ship 
of much water. After that they ate food, for it was now 
morning, and it came on to blow yet more strongly. 

For three days and three nights it blew thus, and the “ Raven ” 
fled along before the gale. All this time, turn and turn about, 
Eric and Skallagrim stood at the helm and tended the sails. 
They had little time to eat, and none to sleep. They were so 
hard pressed, and must harbor their strength so closely, that 
the bodies of the dead men yet cumbered the hold. Thus 
they grew very weary and like to fall from faintness, but still 
they held the “ Raven ” on her course. In the beginning of the 
fourth night a great sea struck the good ship so that she 
quivered from stem to stern. 

“ Methinks I hear water bubbling up,” said Skallagrim in a 
hoarse voice. 

Eric climbed down into the well and lifted the bottom 
planks, and lo ! beneath them was a leak through which the 
water spouted in a thin stream. He stopped up the rent as 
best he might with garments from the dead men, and placed 
ballast stones upon them, then clambered on to deck again. 


142 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


“ Our hours are short now,” he said ; “ the water rushes in 
apace.” 

“ Well, it is time to rest,” said Skallagrim ; “ but see, lord !” 
and he pointed ahead. “ What land is that ?” 

“ That must be the Farey Isles,” answered Eric. “ Now, if 
we can but keep afloat for three hours more we may yet die 
ashore.” 

After this the wind began to fall, but still there was enough 
to drive the “ Raven ” on. 

And ever the water gained in the hold. 

Now they were not far from land, for ahead of them the 
bleak hills towered up, shining in the faint midnight light, and 
between the hills was a cleft that seemed to be a fjord. 
Another hour passed, and they were no more than ten fur- 
longs from the mouth of. the fjord, when suddenly the wind 
fell, and they were in calm water under shelter of the land. 
They ran amidships and looked. The hold was half full of 
water, and in it floated the bodies of Ospakar’s men. 

“ She has not long to live,” said Skallagrim, “ but we may 
still be saved if the boat is not broken.” 

Now aft, near to the tiller, a small boat was bound on the 
half-deck of the “ Raven.” They went to it and looked ; it was 
whole, with oars lashed in it, but half full of water, which they 
must bail out. This they did as swiftly as they might ; then 
they cut the little boat loose, and, having made her fast with 
a rope, lifted it over the side-rail and let her fall into the sea, 
and that was no great way, for the “ Raven ” had sunk deep. 
It fell on an even keel, and Eric let himself down the rope 
into her and called to Skallagrim to follow. 

“Bide awhile, lord,” he answered; “there is that which I 
would bring with me,” and he went. 

For a while Eric waited, and then called aloud, “ Swift I 
thou fool ; swift, the ship sinks !” 

And as he called Skallagrim came, and his arms were full of 
swords and byrnies and red rings of gold that he had found 
time to gather from the dead and out of the cabin. 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


143 


“ Throw all aside and come,” said Eric, laying on the oars, 
for the “ Raven ” wallowed ere she sank. 

“ There is yet time, lord, and the gear is good,” answered 
Skallagrim, and one by one he threw pieces down into the 
boat. As the last fell the “ Raven ” sank to her bulwarks. 
Then Skallagrim stepped from the sinking deck into the boat, 
and cut the cord not too soon. 

Eric gave way with all his strength, and, as he pulled, when 
he was no more than five fathoms from her, the “ Raven ” van- 
ished with a huge swirl. 

“ Hold still,” he said, “ or we shall follow.” 

Round spun the boat in the eddy. She was sucked down till 
the water trickled over her gunwale, and for a moment they 
knew not if they were lost or saved. Eric held his breath and 
watched ; then slowly the boat lifted her nose, and they were 
safe from the whirlpool of the lost dragon. 

“ Greed is many a man’s bane,” said Eric, “ and it was well- 
nigh thine and mine, Skallagrim.” 

“ I had little heart to leave the good gear,” he answered, 
“ and thou seest, lord, it is safe, and we with it.” 

Then they got the boat’s head round slowly into the mouth 
of the fjord, pausing now and'again to rest, for their strength 
was spent. For two hours they rowed down a gulf, as it were, 
and on either side of them were barren hills. At length the 
waterway opened out into a great basin, and there, on the 
farther side of the basin, they saw green slopes running down 
to the water’s edge, strewn with white stock-fish set to dry in 
the wind and sun, and above the slopes a great hall, and about 
it booths. Moreover, they saw a long dragon of war at anchor 
near to the shore. For a while they rowed on, easing now and 
again. Then Eric spoke to Skallagrim. 

What thinkest thou of yonder ship, Lambstail ?” 

“ I think this, lord : that she is fashioned wondrous like to 
the ‘ Gudruda.’ ” 

“ That is in my mind also,” said Eric, “ and our fortune is 
good if it is she.” 


144 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


They rowed on again, and presently a ray from the sun came 
over the hills — for now it was three hours past midnight — and, 
the ship having swung somewhat with the tide, lit upon her 
prow, and lo ! there gleamed the golden dragon of the “ Gu- 
druda.” 

“ This is a strange thing,” said Eric. 

“ Ay, lord, a strange and a merry, for now I shall talk with 
Hall the mate,” and he smiled grimly. 

“ Thou shalt do no hurt to Hall,” said Eric. “ I am lord 
here, and I will judge.” 

“ Thy will is my will,” said Skallagrim ; “ but if my will 
were thine, he should hang on the yard till sea-birds nested 
amidst his bones.” 

Now they were close to the ship, but they could see no man. 
Skallagrim would have called aloud, but Eric bade him hold 
his peace. 

“ Either they are dead, and thy calling cannot wake them, 
or perchance they sleep and will wake of themselves. We will 
row under the stern, and, having made fast, climb aboard and 
see with our own eyes.” 

This, then, they did as silently as might be, and saw that 
the “ Gudruda ” had not been handled gently by the winds and 
waves, for her shield-rail was washed away. This they found 
also, that all men lay deep in sleep. Now, amidships a fire 
still burned, and by it was food. They came there and ate of 
the food, of which they had great need. Then they took two 
cloaks that lay on the deck, and, throwing them about them, 
warmed themselves over the fire ; for they were cold and wet, 
ay, and utterly outworn. 

As they sat thus warming themselves, a man of the crew 
awoke and saw them, and, being amazed, at once called to his 
fellows, saying that two giants were aboard warming them- 
selves at the fire. Now men sprang up and, seizing their 
weapons, ran towards them, and among them was Hall, the 
mate. 

Then suddenly Eric Brighteyes and Skallagrim Lambstail 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


145 


threw aside the cloaks and stood up. They were gaunt and 
grim to see. Their cheeks were hollow and their eyes stared 
wide with want of sleep. Thick was their harness with brine, 
and open wounds gaped upon their faces and their hands. 
Men saw and fell down with fear, for they held them to be 
wizards risen from the sea in the shape of Eric and the Bare- 
sark. 

Then Eric sang this song : 

“ Swift and sure across the Swan’s Bath 
Sped Sea-stag on ‘ Kaven’s ’ track, 

Heaved Ban’s breast in toppling billows, 

Streamed gale-banners through the sky ! 

Yet did Eric the war-greedy 
Leap with Baresark mate aboard. 

Fierce their onset on the foemen ! 

Wherefore break the grapnel-chain ?” 

Hall heard and slunk back, for now he saw that these were 
indeed Eric and Skallagrim come up alive from the sea, and 
that they knew his baseness. 

Eric looked on him and sang again : 

“ Swift away sped ship ‘Gudruda,’ 

Left her lord in foemen’s ring; 

Brighteyes back to back with Baresark 
Held their heads ’gainst mighty odds. 

Down amidst the ballast tumbling, 

Ospakar’s shield-carles were rolled. 

Holy peace at length they handselled, 

Eric must in bonds be laid ! 

“ Came the Gray Rat, came the earl’s wife, 

Came the witch- word from afar; 

Caged wolves roused them, and with struggling 
Tore their fetter from its hold. 

Now they crouch upon their weapons — 

Now they weep and pray for life — 

Now they leap forth like a torrent, 

Swept away is foemen’s strength ! 

“ Then alone upon the ‘ Raven ’ 

Three long days they steer and bail, 


10 


146 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


Till the waters, spouting upward, 
Float dead men about their feet. 
Fails the gale and sinks the dragon. 
Barely may they win the boat; 

Safe they stand on ship ‘Gudruda’ — 
Say, who cut the grapnel-chain ?” 


// 


Chapter XV. 

HOW ERIC SAT IN LONDON TOWN. 

Men stood astonished, but Hall, the mate, slunk back. 

“ Hold, comrade,” said Eric, “ I have something to say that 
songs cannot carry. Hearken, my shield-mates : we swore to 
be true each to each, even to death. What, then, shall be said 
of that man who cut loose the ‘ Gudruda ’ and left us two to 
die at the foeman’s hand ?” ^ 

“ Who was the man ?” asked a voice. 

The man was Hall of Lithdale,” said Eric. 

“That is false,” said Hail, gathering up his courage; “the 
cable parted beneath the straining of the ship, and afterwards 
we could not put about because of the great sea.” 

“ Thou art false !” roared Skallagrim. “ With my eyes I 
saw thee let thine axe fall upon the cable. False art thou and 
dastard ! Thou art jealous also of Brighteyes, thy lord, and 
this was in thy mind : to let him die upon the ‘ Raven ’ and then 
to bind his shoes upon thy coward feet. Though none else 
saw, I saw ; and I say this : that if I may have my will I will 
string thee, living, to the prow in that cable till gulls tear out 
thy fox heart.” 

Now Hall grew very white and his knees trembled beneath 
him. “ It is true,’’ he said, “ that I cut the chain, but not from 
any thought of evil. Had I not cut it the vessel must have 
sunk and all been lost.” 

“ Did we not swear,” said Eric, sternly, “ together to fight 
and together to fall — together to fare, and, if need be, to- 
gether to cease from faring, and dost thou read the oath thus ? 
Say, mates, what reward shall be paid to this man for his good 
fellowship to us and tenderness for your lives ?” 


148 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


As with one voice the men answered “ Death !” 

“ Thou hearest, Hall ?” said Eric. “ Yet I would deal more 
gently with one to whom I swore fellowship so lately. Get 
thee gone from our company, and let us see thy cur’s face no 
more. Get thee gone, I say, before I repent of my mercy.” 

Then, amidst a great hooting. Hall took his weapons and 
without a word slunk into the boat of the “ Raven ” that lay 
astern, and rowed ashore ; nor did Eric see his face for many 
months. 

“ Thou hast done ill, lord, to let that weasel go,” said Skal- 
lagrim, “ for he will live to nip thy hand.” 

“ Good or ill, he is gone,” said Eric, “ and now I greatly 
desire to sleep.” 

Thereafter Eric and Skallagrim rested three full days, and 
they were so weary that they were awake for little of this 
time. But on the third day they rose up, strong and well, 
except for their hurts and soreness. Then they told the men 
of that which had come to pass, and all wondered at their 
might and hardihood. To them, indeed, Eric seemed as a 
god, for few such deeds as his had been told of since the god- 
kind were on earth. 

But he thought little of his deeds and much of Gudruda. 
At times also he thought of Swanhild, and of that witch dream 
she sent him ; for this seemed wonderful to him, that she 
should have saved him from Ran’s net. 

Eric was heartily welcomed by the lord of the Farey Isles, 
for when he heard his deeds he made a feast in his honor, and 
set him in the high seat. It was a great feast, but Skallagrim 
got drunk at it and ran down the chamber, axe aloft, roaring 
for Hall of Lithdale. 

This angered Eric much, and he would scarce speak to Skal- 
lagrim for many days, though the great Baresark slunk about 
after him like his shadow, or a whipped hound at his master’s 
heel, and at length humbled his pride so far as to crave pardon 
for his fault. 

“ I grant it for thy deeds’ sake,” said Eric, shortly ; “ but 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


149 


this is upon my mind — that thou wilt err thus again', and it 
shall be my cause of death — ay, and that of many more.” 

“ First may my bones be white,” said Skallagrim. 

“ White shall they be thereafter,” answered Eric. 

At Farey Isles Eric shipped twelve good men and true, to 
take the seats of those who had been slain of Ospakar’s folk. 
Afterwards, when the wounded were well of their hurts (except 
one man who died), and the “Gudruda” was made fit to take 
to sea again, he bade farewell to the lord of those isles, who 
gave him a good cloak and a gold ring at parting, and sailed 
away. 

Now it were too long to tell of all the deeds that Eric and 
his men did. Never, so scalds sing, was there a viking like 
him for strength and skill and hardihood, and, in those days, 
no such war-dragon as the “ Gudruda ” had been known upon 
the sea. Wherever he joined battle, and that was in many 
places, he conquered, for none prevailed against him, till at 
last foes would fiy before the very terror of his name, and earls 
and kings would send from far, craving the aid of his hands. 
Withal he was the best and gentlest of men. It is said of 
Eric that in all his days he did no niddering deed, nor hurt 
the weak, nor refused peace to him who prayed it, nor lifted 
sword against prisoner and wounded foe. From chapmen he 
would take a toll of their merchandise only and let them go, 
and whatever gains he won he would share equally, asking no 
larger part than the meanest of his band. All men loved Eric, 
and even his foes gave him honor and spoke well of him. 
Now that Hall of Lithdale w^as gone, tliere was no man among 
his mates who would not have passed to the death for him, 
for they held him dearer than their lives, and some among 
them said that he was no man, but one of the god-kind come 
to visit the earth again. Women, too, loved him much ; but 
his heart was ever set upon Gudruda, and he seldom turned to 
look on them. 

The first summer of his outlawry Eric harried along the 
coast of Ireland, but in the winter he came to Dublin, and for 


150 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


a while served in the body-guard of the king of that town, who 
held him in great honor, and would have had him stay with 
him. But Eric would not bide there, and next spring, the 
“ Gudruda ” being bound, he sailed for the coast of England. 
There he gave battle to two vikings’ ships of war, and took 
them after a hard fight. It was in this fight that Skallagrim 
Lambstail was wounded almost to death. For when Eric, hav- 
ing taken one ship, boarded the other with but a few men, he 
was driven back and fell over a beam, and would have been 
slain had not Skallagrim thrown himself across his body, tak- 
ing on his own back that blow of a battle-axe which was aimed 
at Eric’s head. That was a great wound, for the axe shore 
through the steel of the byrnie, and sank into the flesh. But 
when Eric’s men saw their lord down, and Skallagrim, so they 
deemed, dead athwart him, they made so fierce a rush that the 
viking gang fell before them like leaves before a winter gale, 
and the end of it was that the vikings prayed peace of Eric. 
Skallagrim lay sick for many days, but he was hard to kill, and 
Eric nprsed him back to life. After this these two loved each 
other as brother loves twin brother, and they could scarcely 
bear to be apart. But other people loved not Skallagrim, nor 
he them. 

Eric sailed on up the Thames to London, bringing the vi- 
king ships with him, and he delivered their captains bound to 
Edmund, Edward’s son, the king who was called Edmund the 
Magnificent. These captains the king hanged, for they had 
wrought damage to his ships. 

Eric found much favor with the king, and, indeed, his fame 
had gone before him. So when he came into the court, 
bravely clad, with Skallagrim, who wa’s now almost recovered 
of his wound, at his back, the king called out to him to draw 
near, saying that he desired to look on the bravest viking and 
most beautiful man who sailed the seas, and on that fierce 
Baresark whom men called “ Eric’s Death-shadow.” 

So Eric came forward up the long hall that was adorned 
with things more splendid than ever his eyes had seen, and 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


151 


stood before the king. With him came Skallagrim, driving 
the two captive viking chiefs before him with his axe, as a 
flesher drives lambs. Now, during these many months 
Brighteyes had grown yet more great in girth and glorious to 
look on than he was before. Moreover, his hair was now so 
long that it flowed like a flood of gold down towards his girdle, 
for since Gudruda trimmed it no shears had come near his 
head, and it grew fast as a woman’s. The king looked at him 
and was astonished. 

“ Of a truth,” he said, “ men have not lied about thee, Ice- 
lander, nor concerning that great wolf-hound of thine,” and he 
pointed at Skallagrim with his sword of state. “ Never saw I 
such a man and he bade all the mightiest men of his body- 
guard stand forward that he might measure them against Eric. 
But Brighteyes was an inch taller than the tallest, and meas- 
ured half a span more round the chest than the biggest. 

“ What wouldst thou of me, Icelander ?” asked the king. 

“ This, lord,” said Eric : “ to serve thee awhile, and all my 
men with me.” 

“ That is an offef that few would turn from,” answered the 
king. “ Thou shalt go into my body-guard, and, if I have my 
will, thou shalt be near me in battle, and thy wolf-dog also.”Nr* 

Eric said that he asked no better, and thereafter he went up 
with Edmund the king to make war on the Danes of Mercia, 
and he and Skallagriih did great deeds before the eyes of the 
Englishmen. 

That winter Eric and his company came back to London and 
abode with the king in much state and honor. Now, there 
was a certain lady of the court named Elfrida. She was both 
fair and wealthy, the sweetest of women, and of royal blood 
by her mother’s side. So soon as her eyes fell on Eric she 
loved him, and no one thing did she desire more than to be 
his wife. But Brighteyes kept aloof from her, for he loved 
Gudruda alone; and so the winter wore away, and in the 
spring he went forth warring, nor did he come back till au- 
tumn was at hand. 


152 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


The Lady Elfrida sat at the window when Eric rode through 
London Town in the king’s following, and as he passed she 
threw him a wreath of flowers. The king saw it and laughed. 

“ My cold kinswoman seems to melt before those bright 
eyes of thine, Icelander,” he said, “ as my foes melt before 
White fire’s flame. Well, I could wish her a worse mate,” and 
he looked on him strangely. 

Eric bowed, but made no answer. 

That night, as they sat at meat in the palace, the Lady El- 
frida, being bidden in jest of Edmund the king to fill the cup 
of the bravest, passed down the board, and, before all men, 
poured wine into Eric’s cup, and, as so she did, welcomed him 
back with short sweet words. 

Eric grew red as dawn, and thanked her graciously ; but 
after the feast he spoke with Skallagrim, asking him of the 
“ Gudruda,” and when she could be ready to take the sea. 

“ In ten days, lord,” said Skallagrim ; “ but stay we not here 
with the king this winter ? It is late to sail.” 

“ Nay,” said Eric, “ we bide not here. I would sit this 
winter in Farey Isles, for it is the nighest place to Iceland that 
I may reach. Next summer my three years of outlawry are 
over, and I would fare back homewards.” 

“ Now I see the shadow of a woman’s hand,” said Skalla- 
grim. . “ It is full late to face the northern seas, and we may 
sail to Iceland from London in the spring.” 

“ It is my rede that we should sail,” answered Eric. 

“ Past Orkneys runs the road to Farey Islands,” said Skal- 
lagrim, “ and in Orkneys sits a hawk to whom the Lady El- 
frida is but a dove. In faring from ill we may hap on worse.” 

“ It is my rede that we sail,” said Eric. 

“ As thou wilt, and as the king wills,” answered Skallagrim. 

On the morrow Eric went in before the king and craved a 
boon. 

“ There is little that thou canst ask, Brighteyes,” said the 
king, “ that I will not give thee, for, by my troth, I hold thee 
dear.” 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


153 


“ I am come to ask no great thing, lord,” answered Eric, 
“ but this only : leave to bid thee farewell. I would wend 
homeward.” 

“ Say, Eric,” said the king, “ have I not dealt well with thee ?” 

“ Well, and overwell, lord.” 

“ Why, then, wouldst thou leave me ? I have this in my 
mind — to bring thee to great honor. See, now, there is a fair 
lady in this court, and in her veins runs blood that even an 
Iceland viking might be proud to mate with. She has great 
lands, and, mayhap, she shall have more. Canst thou not find 
home on them, thinkest thou, Brighteyes ?” 

“ In Iceland only I am at home, lord,” said Eric. 

Then the king was wroth, and bade him begone when it 
pleased him, and Eric bowed before him and went out. 

Two days thereafter, while Eric was walking in the palace 
gardens, he met the Lady Elfrida face to face. She held white 
flowers in her hand, and she w^as fair to see and pale as the 
flowers she bore. 

He greeted her, and, after a while, she spoke to him in a 
gentle voice : “ They say thou goest from England, Bright- 
eyes ?” she said. 

‘‘ Yes, lady ; I go,” he answered. 

She looked on him once and twice, and then burst out weep- 
ing. “ Why goest thou hence to that cold land of thine ?” she 
sobbed — “ that hateful land of snow and ice ! Is not England 
well enough for thee ?” 

“ I am at home there, lady, and there my mother waits me.” 

There thy mother waits thee, Eric ? — say, doth a maid 
called Gudruda the Fair wait thee there also ?” 

There is such a maid in Iceland,” said Eric. 

“ Yes ; I know it — I know it all,” she answered, drying her 
tears, and of a sudden growing cold and proud ; “ thou art be- 
trothed to this — to this Gudruda ; and, for thy welfare, some- 
what overfaithful to thy troth. For hearken, Eric Brighteyes. 
I know this : that little luck shall come to thee from maid 
Gudruda. It would become me ill to say more ; nevertheless, 


154 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


this is true — that here, in England, good fortune waits thy 
hand, and there in Iceland such fortune as men mete to their 
foes. Knowest thou this ?” 

Eric looked at her and answered : “ Lady,” he said, “ men 
are not born of their own will ; they live and do little that they 
will ; they die and go, perchance, whither they will not. Yet 
it may happen that one meets them whose hand they fain 
would hold, if it be but for an hour’s travel over icy ways ; 
and it is better to hold that hand for one short hour than to 
wend their life through at a stranger’s side.” 

“ Perhaps there is wisdom in thy folly,” said the Lady El- 
frida. “ Still, I tell thee this, that no good luck waits thee 
there in Iceland.” 

“ It well may be,” said Eric ; “ my days have been stormy and 
the gale is yet brewing. But it is a poor heart that fears the 
storm. Better to sink ; for, coward or hero, all must sink at last.” 

“ Say, Eric,” said the lady, “ if that hand thou dost desire 
to hold is lost to thee, what then ?” 

“ If that hand is cold in death, then henceforth I wend my 
ways alone.” 

“ And if it be held of another hand than thine ?” 

“Then I will journey back to England, lady, and here in 
this fair garden I may crave speech of thee again.” 

They looked one on another. “ Fare thee well, Eric !” said 
the Lady Elfrida. “ Llere in this garden we may talk again ; 
and if we talk no more — why, fare thee well ! Days come 
and go ; the swallow shapes flight at winter, and lo ! at spring 
it twitters round the eaves. And if it come not again, then 
farewell to that swallow. The world is a great house, Eric, 
and there is room for many swallows. But alas for her who 
is left desolate ! — alas, alas !” And she turned and fled. 

It is told of this Lady Elfrida that she became very 
wealthy, and was much honored for her gentleness and wis- 
dom, and that when she was old she built a great church, 
and named it Ericskirk. It is also told that, though many 
sought her in marriage, she wedded none. v 


Chapter XVI. 

HOW SWANHILD WALKED THE SEAS. 

Two days afterwards, the “ Gudruda ” being bound for sea, 
Eric went up to bid farewell to the king. But Edmund was 
so angry with him because of bis going that he would not see 
him. Thereon Eric took horse and rode down sadly from the 
palace to the river hank, where the “ Gudruda ” lay. But 
when he was about to give the word to get out the oars the 
king himself rode up, and with him men hearing costly gifts. 
Eric went ashore to speak with him. 

“ I am angry with thee, Brighteyes,” said Edmund, “ yet it 
is not in my heart to let thee go without faring words and far- 
ing gifts. This only I ask of thee now, that if things go not 
well with thee there, out in Iceland, thou wilt come back to 
me.” 

“ I will ; that I promise thee, king,” said Eric ; “ for I shall 
never find a better lord.” 

“Nor I a braver servant,” said the king. Then he gave 
him the gifts and kissed him before all men. To Skalla- 
grim also he gave a good byrnie of Welsh steel, colored 
black. 

Then Eric went aboard again and dropped down the river 
with the tide. 

For five days all went well with them, the sea being calm 
and the winds light and favorable. But on the fifth night, as 
they sailed slowly along the coasts of East Anglia over against 
Yarmouth sands, the moon rose red and ringed and the sea 
fell dead calm. 

“ Yonder hangs a storm lamp, lord,” said Skallagrim, point- 


156 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


ing to the angry moon. “ We shall soon he bailing, for the 
autumn gales draw near.” 

“Wait till they come, then speak,” said Eric. “Thou 
croakest ever like a raven.” 

“ And ravens croak before foul weather,” answered Skalla- 
grim, and just as he spake a sudden gust of wind came up 
from the southeast and laid the “ Gudruda ” over. Thereafter 
it came on to blow, and so fiercely that for whole days and 
nights their clothes were scarcely dry. They ran northward 
before the storm, and still northward, sighting no land and 
seeing no stars. And ever as they scudded on the gale grew 
fiercer, till at length all the men were outworn with bailing 
and starved with wet and cold. Three of their number were 
washed away by the seas, and they were in sorry plight. 

It was the fourth night of the gale. Eric stood at the 
helm, and by him Skallagrim. They were alone, for their 
comrades were worn out and lay beneath decks waiting death. 
The ship was half full of water, but they had no more strength 
to bail. Gaunt and grim seemed Eric in the white light of 
the moon, and his long hair streamed about him wildly. 
Grimmer yet was Skallagrim as he clung to the shield rail and 
stared across the deep. 

“ She rolls heavily, lord,” he shouted, “ and the water gains 
fast.” 

“ Can the men bail no more ?” asked Eric. 

“ Nay, they are outworn, and wait for death.” 

“ They need not wait long,” said Eric. “ What do thev 
say of me ?” 

“ Nothing.” 

Then Eric groaned aloud. “ It was my stubbornness that 
brought us to this sorry plight,” he said ; “ I care little for 
myself, but it is ill that all should die for one man’s folly.” 

“ Grieve not, lord,” answered Skallagrim, “ that is the 
world’s way, and there are worse things than to drown. Lis- 
ten ! methinks I hear the roar of breakers yonder,” and he 
pointed to the left. 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


157 


“ Breakers they surely are,” said Eric. “ Now the end is 
near. But see, is not that land that looms up on the right, 
or is it cloud ?” 

“ It is land,” said Skallagrim, “ and I am sure of this, that 
we run dnto a great firth. Look, the seas boil like a hot 
spring. Hold on thy course, lord; perchance we may yet 
steer between rocks and land. Already the wind falls and 
the current lessens the seas.” 

“Ay,” said Eric, “ already the fog and rain come up,” and 
he pointed ahead where dense clouds gathered in the shape 
of a giant, whose head reached the skies and moved towards 
them, hiding the moon. 

Skallagrim looked, then spoke : “ Now here, it seems, is 
witch-work. Say, lord, hast thou ever seen mist travel against 
wind as now it travels ?” 

“ Never before,” said Eric, and as he spoke the moon went 
out. 

Swanhild, Atli’s wife, sat in beauty in her bower on Strau- 
mey Isle and looked with wide eyes towards the sea. It was 
midnight. None stirred in Atli’s hall, but still Swanhild 
looked out towards the sea. 

Now she turned and spoke into the darkness, for there was 
no light in the bower save the light of her great eyes. 

“ Art there ?” she said. “ Thrice have I summoned thee in 
the words thou knowest. Say, Toad, art there ?” 

“ Ay, Swanhild the Fatherless ! Swanhild, Groa’s daugh- 
ter ! Witch mother’s witch child, I am here ! What is thy 
will with me ?” piped a thin voice like the voice of a dying 
babe. 

Swanhild shuddered a little and her eyes grew brighter — 
yes, bright as the eyes of a cat. 

“ This first,” she said : “ that thou show thyself. Hideous 
as thou art, I had rather see thee than speak with thee see- 
ing thee not.” 

“ Mock not my form, lady,” answered the thin voice, “ for 
it is as thou dost fashion it in thy thought. To the good I 


158 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


am fair as day ; to the evil, foul as their heart. Toad thou 
didst call me ; look, now I come as a toad !” 

Swanhild looked, and behold ! a ring of the darkness grew 
white with light, and in it crouched a thing hideous to see. 
It was shaped as a great spotted toad, and on it was set a 
hag’s face, with white locks hanging down on either side. Its 
eyes were blood-red and sunken, black were its fangs, and its 
skin was dead yellow. It grinned horribly as Swanhild 
shrank from it, then spake again : 

“ Gray Wolf thou didst call me once, Swanhild, when thou 
wouldst have thrust Gudruda down Goldfoss Gulf, and as a 
gray wolf I came, and gave thee counsel that thou tookest but 
ill. Rat didst thou call me once when thou wouldst save Bright- 
eyes from the carles of Ospakar, and as a rat I came and in 
thy shape did walk the seas. Toad thou callest me now, and 
as a toad I creep about thy feet. Name thy will, Swanhild, 
and I will name my price. But be swift, for there are other 
fair ladies whose wish I must do ere dawn.” 

“ Thou art hideous to look on,” said Swanhild, placing her 
hand before her eyes. 

“ Say not so, lady ; say not so. Look on this face of mine. 
Knowest thou it not ? It is thy mother’s ; dead Groa lent it 
me. I took it from where she lies and my toad’s skin I drew 
from thy spotted heart, Swanhild, and more hideous than I 
am shalt thou be in a day to come, as once I was more fair 
than thou art to-day.” ^ 

Swanhild opened her lips to shriek, but no sound came. 

“Troll,” she said, “mock me not with lies, but hearken to 
my bidding : where sails Eric now ?” 

“ Look out into the night, lady, and thou shalt see.” 

Swanhild looked, and the ways of the darkness opened be- 
fore her witch sight. There, at the mouth of Pentland Firth, 
the “ Gudruda ” labored heavily in the great seas, and there 
by the tiller stood Eric, and with him Skallagrim. 

“ Seest thou thy love ?” asked the woman toad. 

“ Yes,” she answered, “ full clearly ; he is worn with wind 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


159 


and sea, but more glorious than aforetime, and his hair is long. 
Say, what shall befall him if thou aidest not 

“ This, that he shall safely pass the firth, for the gale falls, 
and come safely to Farey Isles, and from Farey Isles to Gu- 
druda’s arms.” 

“ And what canst thou do, goblin ?” 

“ This : I can bring his ship to wreck, and give his com- 
rades, all save Skallagrim, to Ran’s net, and bring him to thy 
arms, Swanhild, witch mother’s witch child !” 

She hearkened. Her breast heaved and her great eyes 
fiashed. 

“ And thy price. Toad ?” 

“ Thou art the price, lady,” piped the goblin. “ Thou shalt 
give thyself to me when thy day is done, and merrily will we 
sisters dwell in Hela’s halls, and merrily forever will we fare 
about the earth o’ nights, doing such tasks as this task of 
thine, Swanhild, and working wicked woe till the last woe is 
worked on us. Art content?” 

Swanhild thought. Twice her breath went from her lips in 
great sighs. Then she stood, pale and silent. 

“ Safely shall he sail the firth,” piped the thin voice. 
“ Safely shall he sit in Farey Isles. Safely -shall he lie in 
white Gudruda’s arms — hee ! hee ! Think on it, lady !” 

Then Swanhild shook like a birch-tree in the gale, and her 
face grew ashen. 

“ I am content,” she said. 

Hee ! hee ! Brave lady ! She is content. Ah, we sis- 
ters shall be merry. Hearken : if thus I aid thee I may do 
no more. Thrice has the night owl come at thy^ call ; now it 
must wing away. Yet things shall be as I have said, thine 
own wisdom shall guide the rest. Ere morn Brighteyes shall 
stand in Atli’s hall, ere spring he shall be thy love, and ere 
autumn shall Gudruda sit on the high seat in the hall of Mid- 
dalhof, the bride of Ospakar. Draw nigh, give me thine arm, 
sister, that blood may seal our oath.” 

Swanhild drew near the toad and, shuddering, stretched 


160 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


out her arm, and then and there the red blood ran, and there 
they sealed their sisterhood. And as the nameless deed was 
wrought it seemed, to Swanhild as though fire shot through 
her veins and fire surged before her eyes, and in the fire a 
shape passed up weeping. 

“ It is done, blood-sister,” piped the voice ; “ now I must be 
away in thy form to be about thy tasks. Seat thee here before 
me — so. Now lay thy forehead on my forehead — fear not, it 
was thy mother’s — life on death ! curling locks on corpse hair ! 
See, so we change — we change. Now thou art the Death-toad 
and I am Swanhild, Atli’s wife, who shall be Eric’s love.” 

Then Swanhild knew that her beauty had entered into the 
foulness of the toad, and the foulness of the toad into her 
beauty, for there before her stood her own shape, and here 
she crouched, a toad, upon the floor. 

“ Away to work, away !” said a soft, low voice, her own 
voice speaking from her own body that stood before her, and 
lo ! it was gone. 

But she crouched, a hag-headed toad upon the ground in 
her bower of Atli’s hall, and felt wickedness and evil longings 
and hate boil and seethe within her heart. She looked forth 
through her sunken horny eyes, and she seemed to see strange 
sights. She saw Atli, her lord, dead upon the grass. She saw 
a woman asleep, and lo ! above her flashed a sword. She saw 
the hall of Middalhof one gore of blood. She saw a great gulf in 
a mountain’s heart, and men fell down it. And, last, she saw 
a war ship sailing fast out on the sea afire, and vanish there. 

Now the witch-hag who wore Swanhild’s loveliness stood 
upon the cliffs of Straumey and tossed her white arms tow- 
ards the north. 

“ Come, fog ! come sleet !” she cried. “ Come, fog ! come, 
sleet ! Put out the moon and blind the eyes of Eric !” And 
as she called the fog rose up like a giant and stretched his arms 
from shore to shore. 

“ Move, fog ! beat, rain !” she cried. “ Move and beat 
against the gale, and blind the eyes of Eric !” 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


161 


And the fog moved on against the wind, and with it sleet 
and rain. 

“ Now I am afeard,” said Eric to Skallagrim, as they stood 
in darkness upon the ship ; “ the gale blows from behind us, 
and yet the mist drives fast in our faces. What comes now ?” 

“ This is witch-work, lord,” answered Skallagrim, “ and in 
such things little counsel can avail. Hold the tiller straight 
and drive on, say I. Methinks the gale lessens more* and 
more.” 

So they did for a little while, and all around them sounded 
the roar of breakers. Darker grew the sky and darker yet, 
till, at the last, though they, stood side by side, they might 
not see each other’s shape. 

“ This is ill sailing,” said Eric. “ I hear the roar of break- 
ers as it were beneath the prow.” 

“ Lash the helm, lord, and let us go forward. If there are 
breakers, perhaps we shall see their foam through the black- 
ness,” said Skallagrim. 

Eric did so, and they crept forward on the starboard board, 
right to the prow of the ship, and there Skallagrim peered 
into the fog and sleet. 

“ Lord,” he whispered, presently, and his voice shook 
strangely, “ what is that yonder on the waters ? Seest thou 
aught?” 

Eric stared and said, “ By Odin, I see a shape of light like 
to the shape of a woman, and it walks upon the waters tow- 
ards us, and the sea grows calm beneati* its feet.” 

“ I see that also,” said Skallagrim. 

She comes nigh,” gasped Eric. “ Look how swift she 
comes! By the dead, it is Swanhild’s shape! Look, Skalla- 
grim ! look how her eyes flame ! Look how her hair streams 
upon the wind !” 

“ It is Swanhild, and we are fey,” quoth Skallagrim, and 
they ran back to the helm, where Skallagrim sank in fear 
upon the deck. 

See, Skallagrim ! she glides before the ‘ Gudruda’s ’ beak ! 

11 


162 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


she glides backward, and yonder she points — yonder to the 
right ! Shall I put the helm down and follow her ?” 

“ Nay, lord, nay ; set no faith in witchcraft, or evil will be- 
fall us.’’ 

As he spoke, a great gust of wind shook the ship, the mu- 
sic of the breakers roared in their ears, and the gleaming 
shape upon the waters tossed its arms wildly and pointed to 
the right. 

“ The breakers call ahead,” said Eric. “ She points yon- 
der, where I hear no sound of sea. Once before, thou mind- 
est, Swanhild walked the waves to warn us, and thereby saved 
us from the men of Ospakar. Ever she swore she loved me, 
now she is surely come in love to save us and all our com- 
rades. Say, shall I put about ? Look once more ; she waves 
her arms and points,” and as he spoke he gripped the helm. 

“ I have no rede, lord,” said Skallagrim, “ and I love not 
witch-work. We can die but once, and death is all around ; 
be it as thou wilt.” 

Eric put down the helm with all his might. The good ship 
answered, and her timbers groaned loudly, as though in woe, 
when the strain of the sea struck her abeam. Then once 
more she flew fast across the waters, and fast before her 
glided the shape of Swanhild. Now she pointed here and 
now there, and as she pointed so Eric shaped his course. For 
a while the noise of breakers lessened, but now again came a 
thunder, as the thunder of great waves smiting on a clilf, and 
about the sides of the “Gudruda” the waters hissed like 
snakes. 

Suddenly the shape threw up its arms and seemed to sink 
beneath the waves, while a sound like the sound ^of a great 
laugh went up from sea to sky. 

“ Here now is the end,” said Skallagrim, “ and we are lured 
to doom.” 

Ere ever the words had passed his lips the ship struck, and 
that so fiercely that they were rolled upon the deck. Sud- 
denly the sky grew clear, and the moon shone out, and lo ! 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


163 


before them were cliffs and rocks, and behind them a great 
wave rushed on. From the hold of the ship there came a 
cry, for now their comrades were awake and knew that death 
was here. 

Eric gripped Skallagrim round the middle and looked aft. 
On rushed the wave ; no such wave had he ever seen. Now 
it struck, and the “ Gudriida” burst asunder beneath the blow. 

- But Eric Brighteyes and Skallagrim Lambstail were lifted 
on its crest and knew no more. 

Swanhild, crouching in hideous guise upon the bower of 
Atli’s hall, looked upon the vision that passed before her. 
Suddenly a woman’s shape, her own shape, was there. 

“ It is done, blood-sister,” said a voice, her own voice. 
“ Merrily I walked the waves, and oh ! merry was the cry of 
Eric’s folk, when Ran caught them in her net ! Be thyself 
again, blood-sister — be fair as thou art foul ; then arise, wake 
Atli thy lord, and go down to the sea’s lip by the southern 
cliffs, and see what thou shalt find. We shall meet no more 
till all this game is played and another game is set,” and she 
crouched upon the floor before the hag-headed toad, mutter- 
ing “ Pass ! pass !” 

Then Swanhild felt her shape come back to her, and as it 
grew upon her so the shape of the Death-headed toad faded 
away. 

“ Farewell, blood-sister !” piped a voice ; “ make merry as 
thou mayest, but merrier shall be our nights when thou hast 
gone a-sailing with Eric on the sea. Farewell ! farewell ! 
Were-wolf thou didst call me once, and as a wolf I came. Rat 
thou didst call me once, and as a rat I Came. Toad didst 
thou call me once, and as a toad I came. Say, at the last, 
what wilt thou call me and in what shape shall I come, blood- 
sister ? Hee ! hee ! Till -then farewell !” 

And all was gone and all was still. 


Chapter XVIL 

HO-W ASMUND THE PRIEST WEDDED UNNA, THOROd’s DAUGHTER. 

Now the story goes back to Iceland. 

When Brighteyes was gone, for a while Gudruda the Fair 
moved sadly about the stead like one new-widowed. Then 
came tidings. Men told how Ospakar Blacktooth had way- 
laid Eric on the seas with two long ships, dragons of war, and 
how Eric had given him battle and sunk one dragon with 
great loss to Ospakar. They told also how Blacktooth’s other 
dragon, the “ Eaven,” had sailed away before the wind, and 
Eric had sailed after it in a rising gale. But of what befell 
these ships no tidings came for many a month, and it was ru- 
mored that this had befallen them — that both had sunk in the 
gale, and that Eric was dead. 

But Gudruda would not believe this. When Asmund the 
Priest, her father, asked her why she did not believe it she 
answered that, had Eric been dead, her heart had surely 
spoken to her of it. To this he said that it might be so. 

Hay harvest being done, Asmund made ready for his wed- 
ding with Unna, Thorod’s daughter and Eric’s cousin. 

Now it was agreed that the marriage feast should be held 
at Middalhof ; for Asmund was* minded to ask a great com- 
pany to the wedding, and there was no place at Coldback 
to hold so many. Also some of the kin of Thorod, TJnna’s 
father, were bidden to the feast from the east and north. At 
length all was prepared, and the guests came in great com- 
panies, for no such feast had been made in this quarter for 
many years. 

On the eve of the marriage Asmund spoke with Groa. The 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


165 


witch-wife bore herself humbly, since she was recovered of 
her sickness. She passed about the stead like a rat at night, 
speaking few words and with downcast eyes. She was busy 
also making all things ready for the feasting. 

Now as Asmund went up the hall seeing that everything 
was in order, she drew near to him and touched him gently on 
the shoulder. 

“ Are things to thy mind, lord ?” she said. 

“ Yea, Groa,” he answered, “ more to my mind than to thine, 
I fear me.” 

“ Fear not, lord ; thy will is my will.” 

“ Say, Groa, is it thy wish to bide here in Middalhof when 
Unna is my housewife ?” 

“ It is my wish to serve thee as aforetime,” she answered, 
“ if so be that Unna wills it.” 

“ That is her mind,” said Asmund, and went his ways. 

But Groa stood looking at him, and her face was fierce and 
evil. 

“ While bane has virtue, while runes have power, and while 
hand has cunning, never, Unna, shalt thou take my place at 
Asmund’s side. Out of the water I came to thee, Asmund ; 
into the water I go again. Unquiet shall I lie there — unquiet 
shall I wend through Hela’s halls ; but Unna shall rest at As- 
mund’s side — in Asmund’s cairn !” 

Then again she moved about the hall, making all things 
ready for the feast. But at midnight, when the light was low 
and folk slept, Groa rose, and, with a basket in her hand, 
veiled in a black robe, passed like a shadow through the hall 
out upon the meads. Thence she glided into the mists that 
hung about the river’s edge, and in silence, looking ever be- 
hind her, like one who fears a hidden foe, culled flowers of the 
noisome plants that grew in the marsh. Her basket being 
filled, she passed round the stead to a little hidden dell upon 
the mountain-side. Here a man stood waiting, and near him 
burned a fire of turf. In his hand he held an iron pot. It 
was Koll the Half-witted, Groa’s thrall. 


166 


ERIC BRIGIITEYES. 


“ Are all things ready, Koll ?” she said. 

“ Yea,” he answered ; “ but I like not these tasks of thine, 
mistress. Say, now, what wouldst thou with the fire and the 
pot ?” 

“ This, then, Koll. I would brew a love potion for Asmund 
the Priest as he has bidden me to do.” 

“ I have done many an ill deed for thee, mistress, but of all 
of them I love this the least,” said the thrall. 

“ I have done many a good deed for thee, Koll. It was I 
who saved thee from the Doom-stone, seeming to prove thee 
innocent — ay, even when thy back was stretched on it, be- 
cause thou hadst slain a man in his sleep. Is it not so ?” 

“Yea, mistress.” 

“ And yet thou wast guilty, Koll. And I have given thee 
many good gifts, is it not so ?” 

“ Yes, it is so.” 

“ Listen, then ; serve me this once and I will give thee one 
last gift — thy freedom, and with it two hundred silver pieces.” 

Koll’s eyes glistened. ^ “ What must I do, mistress ?” 

“ This day at the wedding feast it will be thy part to mix 
the cups while Asmund calls the toasts. Last of all, when men 
are merry, thou shalt mix that cup in which Asmund shall 
pledge Unna his wife, and Unna shall pledge Asmund. Now, 
when thou hast mixed, thou shalt pass the cup to me, as I stand 
at the foot of the high seat, waiting to give the bride greeting 
on behalf of the serving-women of the household. Thou shalt 
hand the cup to me as though in error, and that is but a little 
thing to ask of thee.” 

“ A little thing, indeed,” said Koll, staring at her, and pull- 
ing with his hand at his red hair, “ yet I like it not. What if 
I say no, mistress ?” 

“ Say no or speak of this and I will promise thee one thing 
only, thou knave, and it is that before winter comes the crows 
shall pick thy bones! Now, brave me if thou darest,” and 
straightway she began to mutter witch words. 

“ Nay,” said Koll, holding up his hand as though to ward 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 167 

away a blow. “Curse me not; I will do as thou wilt. But 
when shall I touch the two hundred in silver ?” 

“ I will give thee half before the feast begins, and half when 
it is ended, and with it freedom to go where thou wilt. And 
now leave me, and on thy life see that thou fail me not.” 

“ I.have never failed thee yet,” said Koll, and went his ways. 

Now Groa set the pot upon the fire, and, placing in it the 
herbs that she had gathered, poured water on them. Pres- 
ently they began to boil, and as they boiled she stirred them 
with a stick and muttered spells over them. For long she sat 
in that dim and lonely place stirring the pot and muttering 
spells, till at length the brew was done. 

She lifted the pot from the fire and smelt at it. Then draw- 
ing a phial from her robe she poured out the liquor and held 
it to the sky. The witch water was white as milk, but pres- 
ently it grew clear. She looked at it, then smiled evilly. 

“ Here is a love draught for a queen — ah, a love draught for 
a queen !” she said, and, still smiling, she placed the phial in 
her breast. 

Then, having scattered the fire with her foot, she took the 
pot and threw it into a deep pool of water, where it could not 
readily be found, and crept back to the stead before men were 
awake. 

Now at length the day wore on, and all the company were 
gathered at the feast to the number of nearly two hundred. 
Unna sat in the high seat, and men thought her a bonny bride, 
and by her side sat Asmund the Priest. He was a hale, 
strong man to look on, though he had seen some threescore 
winters ; but his mien was sad, and his heart heavy. He 
drank cup after cup to cheer him, but all without avail. For 
his thought sped back across the years, and once more he 
seemed to see the face of Gudruda the Gentle as she lay dy- 
ing, and to hear her voice as she foretold evil to him if he had 
aught to do with Groa the Witch-wife. And now it seemed 
to him that the evil was at hand, though whence it should 
come he knew not. He looked up. There Groa moved along 


168 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


the hall, ministering to the guests ; but he saw that, as she 
moved, her eyes were always fixed, now on him and now on 
TJnna. He bethought him of that curse also that Groa had 
called down upon him when he had told her that he was be- 
trothed to Unna, and his heart grew cold with fear. “ Now I 
will change my counsel,” he said within himself ; “ Groa shall 
not stay here in this stead, for I will look no longer on that 
dark face of hers. She shall go hence to-morrow.” 

Not far from Asmund sat Bjorn, his son. As Gudruda the 
Fair, his sister, brought him mead he caught her by the sleeve, 
whispering in her ear. “ Methinks our father is sad. What 
weighs upon his heart ?” 

“ I know not,” said Gudruda, but as she spoke she looked 
first on Asmund, then on Groa. 

“ It is ill that Groa should stop here,” whispered Bjorn again. 

“ It is ill,” answered Gudruda, and glided away. 

Asmund saw their talk and guessed its purport. Rousing 
himself, he laughed aloud and called to Koll the Half-witted 
to mix the cups that he might name the toasts. 

Kbll filled, and, as Asmund called the toasts one by one, 
he handed the cups to him. Asmund drank deep of eacli, till 
at length his sorrow passed from him, and, along with all who 
sat there, he grew merry. 

Last of all came the toast of the bride’s cup. But before 
Asmund called it, the women of the household drew near the 
high seat to welcome Unna, when she should have drunk. 
Gudruda stood foremost, and Groa was next to her. 

Now Koll filled as before, and it was a great cup of gold he 
filled. 

Asmund rose to call the toast, and with him all who were 
in the hall. Koll brought up the cup and handed it, not to 
Asmund, but to Groa ; but there were few who noted this, for 
all were listening to Asmund’s toast, and most were somewhat 
drunken. 

“ The cup !” cried Asmund ; “ give me the cup, that I may 
drink.” 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


169 


Then Groa started forward, and as she did so she seemed 
to stumble, so that for a moment her robe covered up the 
great bride-cup. 

Then she gathered herself together slowly, and, smiling, 
passed up the cup. 

Asmund lifted it to his Jips and drank deep. Then he 
turned and gave it to Unna, his wife, but before she drank he 
kissed her on the lips. 

Now while all men shouted such a welcome that the great 
hall shook, and as Unna, smiling, drank of the cup, the eyes 
of Asmund fell upon the face of Groa, who stood beneath 
him, and, lo ! her eyes seemed to flame and her face was hid- 
eous as the face of a troll. 

He grew white and put his hand to his head, as though to 
think, then cried aloud : 

“ Drink not, Unna ! the draught is drugged !” and he struck 
at the vessel with his hand. 

He smote it indeed, and so hard that it flew from her hand 
far down the hall. 

But Unna had already drunk deep. 

“ The draught is drugged !” he cried, and pointed to Groa, 
while all men stood silent, not knowing what to do. 

“ The draught is drugged,” he cried a third time, “ and that 
witch hath drugged it I” And he began to tear at his breast. 

Then Groa laughed so shrilly that men trembled to hear 
her. 

“ Yea, lord,” she screamed, “ the draught is drugged, and 
Groa the Witch-wife hath drugged it. Ay, tear thy heart out, 
Asmund, and Unna grow thoii white as snow — soon, if my 
medicine hath virtue, thou shalt he whiter yet. Hearken, all 
men. Asmund the Priest is Swanhild’s father, and for many 
years I have been Asmund’s mate. What did I tell thee, lord? 
— that I would see the two of you dead ere Unna should take 
my place ? Ay, and on Gudruda the Fair, thy daughter, and 
Bjorn, thy son, and Eric Brighteyes, Gudruda’s love, and 
many another man — on them, too, shall my curse fall ! Tear 


170 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


thy heart out, Asmund ! Unna, grow thou white as snow ! — 
the draught is drugged ! The draught is drugged ; and Groa, 
Ran’s gift! Groa the Witch-wife ! Groa, Asmund’s love, 
hath drugged it !” 

And ere ever a man might lift a hand to stay her she glided 
past the high seat and was gone. 

I For a space folk stood silent. Asmund ceased tearing at 
his breast. Rising, he spoke heavily : 

“Now I learn that sin is a stone to smite him who hurled 
it. ^ Gudruda the Gentle spoke sooth when she warned me 
against this woman. New wed — new dead ! Unna, fare thee 
well !” 

And straightway he fell down and died there by the high 
seat in his own hall. 

Unna gazed at him with ashen face. Then, plucking at her 
breast, she sprang from the dais and rushed down the hall, 
screaming. Men made way for her and at the door she also 
fell dead. 

This, then, was the end of Asmund Asmundson the Priest, 
and Unna, Thorod’s daughter, Eric’s cousin, his new-made 
wife. 

Still, there was silence in the hall. But before the echoes 
of Unna’s screams had died away, Bjorn called aloud : 

“ The witch ! where is the witch ?” 

Then with a yell of rage, men leaped to their feet, seizing 
their weapons, and rushed from the stead. Out they ran. 
There, far on the hillside above them, a black shape climbed 
and leaped swiftly. They gave tongue like dogs set upon a 
wolf and up the hill they sped. 

Now they gained the crest of the hill, and now they were 
at Goldfoss brink. Lo! the witch-wife had crossed the bed 
of the torrent, for little rain had fallen and the river was low. 
She stood on Sheep-saddle, the water running from her robes. 
On Sheep-saddle she stood and cursed them. 

Bjorn took a bow and set a shaft upon the string. He 
drew it and the arrow sang through the air. It smote her : 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


lYl 

right through her heart it sped. With a wild cry she threw 
up her arms. 

Then down she plunged. She fell where Eric once had 
stood on Wolf’s Fang, and, bounding thence, rushed to the 
boiling deeps below and was no more seen forever. 

Thus, then, did Asmund the Priest wed Unna, Thorod’s 
daughter, and this was the end of the feasting. 

Thereafter, Bjorn, Asmund’s son, ruled at Middalhof, and 
was Priest in his stead. He sought for Koll the Half-witted 
to slay him, but Koll took to the fells, and after many months 
found passage in a ship that was bound for Scotland. 

Now Bjorn was a hard man and a greedy. He was no 
friend to Eric Brighteyes, and ever pressed it on Gudruda that 
she should wed Ospakar Blacktooth. But to this counsel 
Gudruda would not listen, for day and night she thought on 
her love. Next summer there came tidings that Eric was safe 
in Ireland, and men spoke of his great deeds, and of how he 
and Skallagrim had swept the ship of Ospakar single-handed. 
Now after these tidings, for a while Gudruda walked singing 
through the meads, and no flower that grew in them was half 
so fair as she. 

That summer also Ospakar Blacktooth met Bjorn, Asmund’s 
son, at the Thing, and they talked much together in secret. 


Chapter XVIII. 

HOW EARL ATLI FOUND ERIC AND SKALLAGRIM ON THE SOUTH- 
ERN ROCKS OF STRAUMEY ISLE. 

SwANHiLD, robed in white, as though now risen from 
sleep, stood, taper, in hand, by the bed of Atli the earl, her 
lord, crying “ Awake !” 

“ What passes now ?” said Atli, lifting himself upon his 
arm. “ What passes, Swanhjjd, and why dost thou ever wan- 
der alone at nights, looking so strangely ? I love not thy 
dark witch-ways, Swanhild, and in an ill hour was I wed to 
thee, wife who art no wife.” 

“ In an ill hour indeed, Earl Atli,” she answered, “ an ill 
hour for thee and me ; for, as thou hast said, eld and youth 
are strange yoke-fellows and pull different paths. Arise now, 
earl, for I have dreamed a dream.” 

“ Tell it to me on the morrow, then,” quoth Atli ; “ there is 
small joyousness in thy dreams, that ever point to evil, and I 
must bear enough evil of late.” 

“Nay, lord, my rede may not be put aside so. Hearken 
now : I have dreamed that a great dragon of war has been cast 
away upon Straumey’s southwestern rocks. The cries of those 
who drowned rang in my ears. But I thought that some 
came living to the shore, and lie there senseless, to perish of 
the cold. Arise, therefore; take men and go down to the 
rocks.” 

“ I will go at daybreak,” said Atli, letting his head fall 
upon the pillow. “ I have little faith in such visions, and 
it is too late for long ships of war to try passage of the 
firth.” 


ERIC BRIGHTEYE8. 


173 


“ Arise, I say,” answered Swanhild, sternly, “ and do my 
bidding, else I will myself go to search the rocks.” 

Then Atli rose grumbling, and shook the heavy sleep from 
his eyes ; for of all living folk he most feared Swanhild, his 
wife. He donned his garments, threw a great cloak about 
him, and, going to the hall where men snored around the dy- 
ing fires, for the night was bitter, he awoke certain of them. 
Now among those men whom he awoke was Hall of Lithdale, 
Hall the mate, who had cut the grapnel chain. For this 
Hall, fearing to return to Iceland, had come hither, saying 
that he had been wounded off Farey Isles in the great fight 
between Eric and Ospakar’s men, and left there to grow well 
of his hurt or die. Then Atli, not knowing that the carle 
lied, had bidden him welcome for Eric’s sake, for he still loved 
Eric above all men. 

But Hall loved not labor and nightfarings to search for 
shipwrecked men of whom the Lady Swanhild had chanced to 
dream. So he turned himself upon his side and slept again. 
Still, certain of Atli’s folk rose at his bidding, and they went, 
together down to the rocks. 

But Swanhild, a cloak thrown over her night-gear, sat her- 
self down in the high seat of the hall, and, fixing her great 
eyes now upon the dying fires and now upon the blood-marks 
ill her arm, waited in silence. The night was cold and windy, 
but the moon shone brightly, and by its light Atli and his 
people made their way to the southwestern rocks, on wlych 
the sea beat madly. 

“What lies yonder?” said Atli, pointing to some black 
thing that lay beneath them upon the rock, cast there 
by the waves. A man climbed down the cliff’s side that 
is here as though it were cut in steps, and then cried 
I aloud : 

“ A ship’s mast, new broken, lord.” 

“ It seems that Swanhild dreams straight,” muttered Atli, 
“ but I am sure of this : that none have come ashore alive in 
such a sea.” 


174 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


Presently the man who searched the rocks below cried 
aloud again : 

“ Here lie two great men, locked in each other’s arms. 
They seem to be dead.” 

Now all the men climb down the slippery rocks as best 
they may, though the spray wets them, and with them Atli. 
The earl is a brisk man, though sunk in eld, and he comes 
first to where the two lie. He who was undermost lay upon 
his back, but his face was hidden by the thick golden hair 
that flowed across it. 

“ Man’s body indeed, but woman’s locks,” said Atli, as he 
put out his hand and drew the hair away, so that the light of 
the moon fell on the face beneath. 

He looked, then staggered back against the rock. 

“ By Thor !” he cried, “ here lies the corpse of Eric Bright- 
eyes !” and he wrung his hand and wept, for he loved Eric 
much. 

“ Be not so sure that the men are dead, lord,” said one ; “ I 
thought I saw yon great carl move but now.” 

“ He is Skallagrim Lambstail, Eric’s death-shadow,” said 
Atli again. “ Up with them, lads ! — see, yonder lies a plank 
— and away to the hall. I will give twenty in silver to each 
of you if Eric lives,” and he unclasped his cloak and threw it 
over the two of them. 

Then with labor they loosed the grip of the two men one 
from the other, and they set Skallagrim on the plank. But 
eight men bore Eric between them, and the task was not 
light, though the earl held his head, from which the golden 
hair hung like seaweed from a rock. 

At length they came to the hall and bore them in. Swan- 
hild, seeing them come, moved down from the high seat. 

“ Bring lamps, pile up the fires,” cried Atli. “ A strange 
thing has come to pass, Swanhild,'and thou dost dream wise- 
ly, indeed, for here we have Eric Brighteyes and Skallagrim 
Lambstail. They were locked like lovers in each other’s arms, 
but I know not if they be dead or living.” 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


175 


Now Swanhild started and came on swiftly. Had the Fa- 
iniliar tricked her and had she paid the price for nothing ? 
Was Eric taken from Gudruda and given to her indeed — but 
given dead? She bent over him, gazing keenly on his face. 
Then she spoke. 

“ He is not dead, but senseless. Bring dry cloths, and 
make water hot,” and, kneeling down, she loosed Eric’s helm 
and harness and ungirded Whitefire from his side. 

For long she and Atli tended him at one fire, and they tend- 
ed Skallagrim at the other. Presently there came a cry that 
Skallagrim stirred, and Atli with others ran to see. At this 
moment also the eyes of Eric were unsealed, and Swanhild 
saw them looking at her dimly from beneath. Then moved 
to it by her passion and her joy that he yet lived, she let fall 
her face till his was hidden in her unbound hair, and kissed 
him soft and sweet upon the lips. Eric shut his eyes again, 
sighing heavily, and presently was asleep. They bore him to 
a bed and heaped warm wrappings upon him. At daybreak 
he awoke, and Atli, who sat watching at his side, gave him 
hot mead to drink. 

“ Do I dream ?” said Eric, “ or is it EarkAtli who tends me, 
and did I but now see the face of Swanhild bending over 
me ?” 

“ It is no dream, Eric, but the truth. Thou hast been cast 
away here on my isle of Straumey.” 

And Skallagrim — where is Skallagrim ?” 

“ Skallagrim lives — fear not !” ^ 

“And my comrades ; how went it with them ?” 

“ But ill, Eric ; Ran has them all. Now sleep !” 

Eric groaned aloud. “ I had rather died also than live to 
hear such heavy tidings,” he said. “ Witch-work ! witch- 
work ! and that fair witch-face wrought it.” And once again 
he slept, nor did he wake till the sun was high. But Atli 
could make nothing of his words. 

When Swanhild left the side of Eric she met Hall of Lith- 
dale face to face, and his mien was troubled. 


176 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


“ Say, lady,” lie asked, “ will Brigliteyes live ?” 

“ Grieve not. Hall,” she answered, “ he will surely live, and 
he will be glad to find a messmate here to greet him, having 
left so many yonder,” and she pointed to the sea. 

“ I shall not be glad,” said Hall, letting fall his eyes. 

“Why not. Hall ? Fearest thou Skallagrim, or hast thou 
done ill by Eric ?” 

“ Ay, lady, I fear Skallagrim, for he swore to slay me, and 
that is a promise he ever keeps. Also, if the truth must out, 
I have not dealt altogether well with Eric, and of all men I 
least wish to talk with him.” 

“ Speak on,” she said. 

Then, being forced to it, he told her something of the tale 
of the cutting of the cable, being careful to put another color 
on it. 

“ Now it seems that thou art a coward. Hall,” she said when 
he had done, “ and I scarcely looked for that in thee,” for she 
had not been deceived by the glozing of his speech. “ It will 
be bad for thee to meet Eric and Skallagrim, and this is my 
counsel : that thou goest hence ere they be awake, for they 
will sit this winter here in Atli’s hall.” 

“ And whither shall I go, lady ?” 

Swanhild gazed on him, and as she gazed a dark thought 
came into her heart : here was a knave who might serve her 
ends. 

“Hall,” she said, “thou art an Icelander, and I have known 
of thee from a child, and therefore I wish to serve thee in thy 
strait, though thou deservest it little. See now, Atli the 
earl has a farm on the mainland not two hours’ ride from the 
sea. Thither thou shalt go, if thou art wise, and thou shalt 
sit there this winter and be hidden from Eric and Skallagrim. 
Nay, thank me not, but hearken : it may hap that I shall 
have a service for thee to do before spring is come.” 

“ Lady, I shall wait upon thy word,” said Hall. 

“ Good. Now, so soon as it is light I will find a man to 
sail with thee across the firth, for the sea falls, and bear my 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


177 


message to the grieve at Atli’s farm. Also, if thou needest 
faring money thou shalt have it. Farewell.” 

Thus then did Hall fly before Eric and Skallagrim. 

On the morrow Eric and Skallagrim arose, sick and weary 
indeed, hut not at all harmed, and went down to the shore. 
There they found many dead men of their company, but 
never a one in whom the breath of life remained. 

Skallagrim looked at Eric and spoke : “ Last night the mist 
came up against the wind ; last night we saw Swanhild’s 
wraith upon the waves, and there is the path it showed, and 
there ” — and he pointed to the dead men — “ is the witch-seed’s 
flower. Now to-day we sit in Atli’s hall, and here we must 
stay this winter at Swanhild’s side, and therein lies a riddle 
that I may not read.” 

But Eric shook his head, making no answer. Then, leav- 
ing Skallagrim with the dead, he turned, and, striding back 
alone towards the hall, sat himself on a rock in the home 
meadow, covered his face with his hands, and wept for his 
comrades. 

As he wept, Swanhild came to him, for she had seen him 
from afar, and touched him gently on the arm. 

“ Why weepest thou, Eric ?” she said. 

“ I weep for the dead,” he answered. 

“ Weep not for the dead ; they are at peace. If thou must 
weep, weep for the living. Nay, weep. not at all; rejoice, 
rather, that thou art here to mourn. Hast thou no word of 
greeting for me, who have not seen thy face these many 
months ?” 

“ How shall I greet thee, Swanhild, who would never have 
seen thy face again if I might have had my will ? — how shall 1 
greet thee ? Knowest thou that yesternight, as w^e labored in 
yonder flrth, we saw a shape walking the waters to lead us to 
our doom ? How shall I greet thee who art a witch and evil ?” 

“And knowest thou, Eric, that yesternight I woke from 
sleep, having dreamed that thou didst lie upon the shore, and 
thus saved thee alive, as perchance I have saved thee afore- 
12 


178 


EEIC BRIGHTEYES. 


time ? If thou didst see a shape walking the waters, it was 
that shape that won thee here. Hadst thou sailed on, not 
only those thou mournest, but Skallagrim and thou thyself 
hadst now been numbered with the lost.” 

“ Better so than thus,” said Brighteyes. “ Knowest thou 
also, Swanhild, that when last night my life came back again 
in Atli’s hall, methought that Atli’s wife leaned over me and 
kissed me on the lips ! That was an ill dream, Swanhild.” 

“ Some had found it none so ill, Eric,” she made answer, 
looking on him strangely. “ Still, it was but a dream. Thou 
didst dream that Atli’s wife breathed back the breath of life 
into thy pale lips — he sure of it thou didst but dream. 
Ah, Eric, fear me no more; forget the evil that I have 
wrought in the blindness and folly of my youth. Now 
things are otherwise with me. Now I am a wedded wife and 
faithful-hearted to my lord. Now, if I still love thee, it is 
with a sister’s love. Therefore, forget my sins ; remember 
only that as children we played upon the Iceland fells. Re- 
member that, as boy and girl, we rode upon the marshes, while 
the wild mews clamored round our heads. The world is cold, 
Eric, and few are the friends we find therein ; many are al- 
ready gone, and soon the friendless dark draws near. So put 
me not away, my brother and my friend — put me not away ; 
but, for a little space, while thou art here in Atli’s Hall, let 
us walk hand in hand, as we walked long years ago in Iceland, 
gathering the fifa bloom and watching the midnight shadows 
creep up the icy jokul’s crests.” 

Thus she spoke to him most sweetly, in a full low voice, 
while the tears gathered in her deep eyes, talking ever of Ice- 
land that he loved, and of days long dead, till his heart soft- 
ened within him. 

“Almost do I believe thee, Swanhild,” he said, stretching 
out his hand ; “ but I know this : that thou art never twice in 
the same mood, and that is beyond my measuring. Thou 
hast done much evil and thou hast striven to do more ; also I 
love not those who seem to walk the seas o’ nights. Still, 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


179 


hold thou to this last saying of thine and there shall be peace 
between us while I bide here.” 

She touched his hand humbly and turned to go. But as 
she went he spoke again : “ Say, Swanhild, hast thou tidings 
from Iceland yonder ? I have heard no word of Asmund or 
of Gudruda for two long years and more.” 

She stood still, and a dark shadow that he could not see 
flitted across her face. 

“ I have few tidings, Eric,” she said, turning, “ and those 
few, if I may trust them, ill enough. For this is the rumor 
that I have heard : that Asmund the Priest, my father, is 
dead ; that Groa, my mother, is dead — how, I know not ; and 
lastly, that Gudruda the Fair, thy love, is betrothed to Os- 
pakar Blacktooth, and weds him in the spring.” 

Now Eric sprang up with an oath and grasped the hilt of 
Whiteflre. Then he sat down again upon the stone and 
covered his face with his hands. 

“Grieve not, Eric,” she said, gently; “I put no faith in 
these tidings, for rumor, like the black-backed gull, often 
changes color in its flight across the seas. Also I had them 
but at fifth hand. I am sure of this, at least, that Gudruda 
will never forsake thee without a cause.” 

“ It shall go ill with Ospakar if this be true,” said Eric, 
smiling grimly, “ for Whiteflre is yet left me, and with it one 
true friend.” 

“ Run not to meet the evil, Eric. Thou shalt come to Ice- 
land with the summer flowers and find Gudruda faithful and 
yet fairer than of yore. Knowest thou that Hall of Lithdale, 
who was thy mate, has sat here these two months? He is 
gone but this morning, I know not whither, leaving a message 
that he returns no more.” 

“ He did well to go,” said Eric, and he told her how Hall 
had cut the cable. 

“ Ay, well indeed,” answered Swanhild ; “ had Atli known 
this he had scourged him hence with rods of seaweed. And 
now, Eric, I desire to ask thee one more thing : why wearest 


180 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


thou thy hair long like a woman’s ? Indeed, few women have 
such hair as thine is now.” 

“ For this cause, Swanhild : I swore to Gudruda that none 
should cut my hair till she cut it once more. It is a great 
burden to me surely, for never did hair grow so fast and 
strong as mine, and once in a fray I was held fast by it and 
went near to the losing of my life. Still, I will keep the 
oath even 'if it grows on to my feet,” and he laughed a little 
and shook back his golden locks. 

Swanhild smiled also and, turning, went. But when her 
face was hidden from him she smiled no more. 

“ As I live,” she said in her heart, “ before spring rains fall 
again I will cause thee to break that oath, Eric. Ay, I will 
cut a lock of that bright hair of thine and send it for a love 
token to Gudruda.” 

But Eric still sat upon the rock thinking. Swanhild had 
set an evil seed of doubt in his heart, and already it put forth 
roots. What if the tale were true ? What if Gudruda had 
given herself to Ospakar ? Well, if so — she should soon be a 
widow, that he swore. 

Then he rose and stalked grimly towards the hall. 


Chapter XIX. 

HOW KOLL THE HALF-WITTEH BROUGHT TIDINGS FROM ICELAND. 

Presently as Eric walked he met Atli the Earl coming to 
seek him. Atli greeted him. 

“ I have seen strange things come to pass, Eric,” he said, 
“ but none more strange than this coming of thine and the 
manner of it. Swanhild is foresighted, and that was a doom- 
dream of hers.” 

“ I think her foresighted also,” said Eric. “ And now, lord, 
knowest thou this : that little good can come to thee at the 
hands of one whom thou hast saved from the sea.” 

“ I set no faith in such old wives’ tales,” answered Atli. 
“ Here thou art come, and it is my will that thou shouldst 
sit here. At the least, I will give thee no help to go hence.” 

“ Then we must bide in Straumey, it seems,” said Eric ; 
“ for of all my goods and gear this alone is left me,” and he 
looked on Whitefire. 

Thou hast still a gold ring or two upon thy arm,” an- 
swered the earl, laughing. “ But surely, Eric, thou wouldst 
not begone ?” 

“ I know not, lord. Listen : it is well that I should be 
plain with thee. Once, before thou didst wed Swanhild, she* 
had another mind.” 

“ I have heard something of that, and I have guessed more, 
Brighteyes ; but methinks Swanhild is little given to gadding 
now. She is as cold as ice, and no good wife for any man,” 
and .he sighed. “ ‘ Snow melts not if sun shines not,’ so runs 
the saw. Thou art an honest man, Eric, and no whisperer in 
the ears of others’ wives.” 


182 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


“ I am not minded, indeed, to do thee such harm, lord ; but 
this thou knowest : that woman’s guile and beauty are sv/ords 
few shields can brook. Now I have spoken — and they are 
hard words to speak — be it as thou wilt.” 

“ It is my rede that thou shouldst sit here this winter, Eric. 
Had I my way, indeed, never wouldst thou sit elsewhere. Lis- 
ten : things have not gone well wdth me of late. Age hath a 
grip of me, and foes rise up against one who has no sons. That 
was an ill marriage, too, which I made with Swanhild yonder, 
for she loves me not, and I have found small luck since first I 
saw her face. Moreover, it is in my mind that my days are 
almost sped. Swanhild hath already foretold my death, and, 
as thou knowest well, she is foresighted. So I pray of thee, 
Eric, bide thou here while thou mayest, for I would have thee 
at my side.” 

It shall be as thou wilt, lord,” said Eric. 

So Eric and Skallagrim Lambstail sat that winter in the hall 
of Atli the earl at Straumey. For many weeks all things went 
well, and Eric forgot his fears. Swanhild was gentle to him 
and kindly. She loved much to talk with him, even of Gudruda, 
her rival ; but never a word of love passed her lips. Never- 
theless, she did but bide her time, for when she struck she 
determined to strike home. Atli and Eric were ever side by 
side, and Eric gave the earl much good counsel. This also 
he promised to do, for now, being simple-minded, his doubts 
had passed and he had no more fear of Swanhild. On the 
mainland was a certain chief who had seized large lands of 
Atli’s, and held them for a year or more. Now Eric gave his 
word that, before he sailed for Iceland in the early summer, 
he would go up against this man and drive him from the 
lands, if he could. For he might not come to Iceland till 
nigh upon midsummer, when his three years of outlawry were 
spent. 

The winter wore away and the spring came. Then Atli 
gathered his men and went with Eric in boats to where the 
chief dwelt who held his lands. There they fell on him, and 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


183 


that was a great fight. But in the end the man was slain by 
Skallagrim, and Eric did great deeds, as was his wont. Now 
in this fight Eric was wounded in the foot by a spear, so that 
he must be borne back to Straumey, and he lay there in the 
hall for many days. Swanhild nursed him well, and most 
days he sat talking with her in her bower. 

When Eric was nearly healed of his hurt the earl went with 
all his people to a certain island of the Orkneys to gather scat 
that was unpaid, and, Skallagrim went with him. But Eric 
did not go because of his hurt, fearing lest the wound should 
open if he walked overmuch. Thus it came to pass that, ex- 
cept for some w'omen, he was left alone with Swanhild. 

Now, when Atli had been gone three days, it chanced on 
an afternoon that Swanhild heard how a man from Iceland 
sought speech with her. She bade them bring him in to 
where she was alone in her bower, for Eric was not there, 
having gone down to the sea to fish. 

The man came, and she knew him at once for Koll the Half- 
witted, who had been her mother’s thrall. On his shoulders 
was the cloak that Ospakar Blacktooth had given him ; it 
was much torn now, and he had a worn and hungry look. 

“ Whence cornest thou, Koll ?” she asked, “ and what are 
thy tidings ?” 

“ From Scotland last, lady, where I sat this winter ; before 
that from Iceland. As for my tidings, they are heavy, if thou 
hast not heard them. Asmund the Priest is dead, and dead 
is Unna his wife, poisoned of thy mother, Groa, at their mar- 
riage feast. Dead, too, is thy mother, Groa. Bjorn, As- 
mund’s son, shot her with an arrow, and she lies in Goldfoss 
pool.” 

Now Swanhild hid her face for a while in her hands. Then 
she lifted it, and it was white to see. “ Speakest thou truth, 
fox ? If thou liest, this I swear to thee — thy tongue shall be 
dragged from thee by the roots !” 

“ I speak the truth, lady,” he answered. But still he spoke 
not all the truth, for he said nothing of the part which he had 


184 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


played in tlie deaths of Asmund and Unna. Then he told 
her of the manner of their end. 

Swanhild listened silently, then said : 

“ What news of Gudruda, Asmund’s daughter ? Is she 
wed ?” 

“ Nay, lady. Folk spoke of her and Ospakar, that was 
all.” 

“ Hearken, Koll,” said Swanhild, “ bearing such heavy tid- 
ings, canst thou not weight the ship, a little more ? Eric 
Brighteyes is here. Canst thou not swear to him that when 
thou didst leave Iceland it was said without question that Gu- 
druda was betrothed to Ospakar, and that the wedding feast 
was set for this last Yule? Thou hast a hungry look, Koll, 
and methinks that things have not gone altogether well with 
thee of late. Now, if thou canst so charge thy memory, thou 
shalt lose little by it. But if thou canst not, then thou goest 
hence from Straumey with never a luck-penny in thy purse, 
and never a sup to stay thy stomach with.” 

Now, of all things Koll least desired to be sent from 
Straumey ; for, though Swanhild knew it not, he was sought 
for on the mainland as a thief. 

“ That I may do, lady,” he said, looking at her cunningly. 
“ Now I remember that Gudruda the Fair charged me with a 
certain message for Eric Brighteyes, if I should chance to see 
him as I journeyed.” 

Thereafter Swanhild, Atli’s wife, and Koll the Half-witted 
talked long and earnestly together. 

At nightfall Eric came in from his fishing. His heart was 
light, for the time drew near when he should sail for home, 
and he did not think on evil. For now he feared Swanhild 
no longer, and, no fresh tidings having come from Iceland 
about Ospakar and Gudruda, he had almost put the matter 
from his mind. On he walked to the hall, limping some- 
what, singing as he came and bearing his fish upon a pole. 

At the man’s door of the hall a woman stood waiting. She 
told him that the lady Swanhild would speak with him in her 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


185 


bower. Thither he went and knocked. Getting no answer, 
he knocked again, then entered. 

Swanhild sat on a couch. She was weeping, and her hair 
fell about her face. 

“ What now, Swanhild ?” he said. 

She looked up heavily. “ 111 news for thee and me, Eric. 
Koll, who was my mother’s thrall, has come hither from Ice- 
land, and this is his tidings : that Asmund is dead, and Unna, 
thy cousin, Thorod of Greenfell’s daughter, is dead, and my 
mother, Groa, is dead also.” 

“ Heavy tidings, truly !” said Eric, astonished. “ And what 
of Gudruda, is she also dead ?” 

“ Nay, Eric, she is wed — wed to Ospakar.” 

Now Eric reeled against the wall, clutching it, and for a 
space all things swam round him. “ Where is this Koll ?” he 
gasped. “ Send me Koll hither.” 

Presently he came, and Eric questioned him coldly and 
calmly. But Koll could lie full well. It is said that in his 
day there was no one in Iceland who could lie so well as Koll 
the Half-witted. He told him how it was said that Gudruda 
was plighted to Ospakar, and how the match had been agreed 
upon at Althing in the summer that was gone (and indeed 
there had been some such talk), and how that the feast was 
to be at Middalhof on last Yule Hay. 

“ Is that all thy tidings ?” said Eric. “ If so, I give small 
heed to them ; for ever, Koll, I have known thee for a liar.” 

“ Nay, Eric, it is not all,” answered Koll. “ As it chanced, 
two days before the ship in which I sailed was bound, I saw 
Gudruda the Fair. Then she asked me whither I was going, 
and I told her that I would journey to London, where men 
said thou wert, and asked her if she would send a message. 
Then she alighted from her horse, Blackmane, and spoke with 
me apart. ‘Koll,’ she said, ‘it well may hap that thou wilt 
see Eric Brighteyes in London town. Now, if thou seest 
him, I charge thee straightly tell him this. Tell him that my 
father is dead, and my brother who rules in his place is a hard 


186 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


man, and has ever egged me on to wed Ospakar, till at last, 
having no choice, I have consented to it. And say to him 
that I grieve much and sorely, and that, though we twain 
never meet more, yet I shall always hold his memory dear.’ ” 

“ It is not like Gudruda to speak thus,” said Eric ; “ she 
had ever a stout heart, and these are craven words. Roll, I 
hold thou liest ; and if indeed I find it so. I’ll wring the head 
from off thee !” 

“ Nay, Eric, I lie not. Wherefore should I lie ? Hearken, 
thou hast not heard all my tale. When she had made an end 
of speaking she drew something from her breast and gave it 
to me, saying : ‘ Give this to Eric, in token of my words.’ ” 

“ Show me the token,” said Eric. 

Now, many years ago, when they were yet boy and girl, it 
chanced that Eric had given to Gudruda the half of an ancient 
gold piece that he had found upon the shore. He had given 
her half, and half he had kept, wearing it next his heart. But 
he knew not this — for she feared to tell him — that Gudruda 
had lost her half. Nor indeed had she lost it, for Swanhild 
had taken the love token and hidden it away. Now she 
brought it forth for Roll to build his lies upon. 

Then Roll drew out the half-piece from a leather purse and 
passed it to him. Eric plunged his hand into his breast and 
drew forth his. He placed the two side by side, while Swan- 
hild watched him. Lo ! they fitted well. 

Then Eric laughed aloud, a hard and bitter laugh. “ There 
will be manscathe,” he cried, “ before all this tale is told. Take 
thy fee and begone, thou messenger of ill,” and he cast the 
broken piece at Roll. “ For once thou hast spoken the 
truth.” 

Roll stooped, found the gold, and went, leaving Brighteyes 
and Swanhild face to face. 

He hid his brow in his arms and groaned aloud. Softly 
she crept up to him — softly she drew his hands away, holding 
them between her own. 

“ Heavy tidings, Eric,” she said, “ heavy tidings for thee 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


187 


and me ! She is a murderess who gave me birth, and she has 
slain my own father — my own father and thy cousin Unna 
also. Gudruda is a traitress — a traitress fair and false. I did 
ill to be born of such a woman, thou didst ill to put thy faith 
in such a woman. Together let us weep, for our woe is 
equal.” 

“ Ay, let us weep together,” he answered. “ Nay, why 
should we weep ? Together let us be merry, for now we 
know the worst. All words are said — all hopes are sped ! 
Let us be merry, for now we have no more tidings to fear.” 

“ Ay,” she answered, looking on him darkly ; “ we will be - 
merry and laugh our sorrows down. Ah ! thou foolish Eric, 
under what ill star wast thou born that thou knewest not true 
from false !” and she called the serving women, bidding them 
bring food and wine. 

Now Eric sat alone with Swanhild in her bower and made 
pretence to eat. But he could eat little, though he drank 
deep of the Southern wine. Close beside him sat Swanhild, 
filling his cup. She was wondrous fair that night, and it 
seemed to Eric that her great eyes gleamed like stars. Sweet- 
ly she spoke also, and wisely. She told strange tales and she 
sang strange songs, and ever her eyes shone more and more, 
and ever she crept closer to him. Eric’s brain was afire, 
though his heart was cold and dead. He laughed loud and 
mightily, he told great tales of deeds that he had done, grow- 
ing boastful in his folly, and still Swanhild’s eyes shone more 
and more, and still she crept closer, till at length she listened 
to him, her head upon his breast, her arms about his neck, 
and her dark eyes looking strangely into his own, wooing him 
in many ways. 

Now of a sudden Eric thought of his friend, Earl Atli, and 
his mind grew clear. 

“ This may not be, Swanhild,” he said. “ I will hence ere 
ill come of it. Yet I would that I had loved thee from the 
first, and not the false Gudruda ; for, with all thy dark ways, 
at least thou art better than she.” 


188 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


“ Thou speakest wisely, Eric,” she said, though she meant 
not that he should go. “ The Norns have appointed us an 
evil fate, giving me as wife to an old man whom I do not 
love, and thee for a lover to a woman who has betrayed thee. 
Ah, Eric Brighteyes, thou foolish Eric ! Why knewest thou 
not the false from the true while yet there was time ? Now 
are all words said and all things done — nor can they be un- 
done. Go hence, Eric, ere ill come of it ; but, before thou 
goest, drink one cup of parting, and then farewell.” 

And she slipped from him and filled the cup, mixing in it a 
certain love potion that she had made ready. 

“ Give it to me that I may swear an oath on it,” said Eric. 

She gave him the cup and stood before him, watching him. 

“ Hearken,” he said ; “ I swear this, that before snow falls 
again in Iceland I will see Ospakar dead at my feet or lie 
dead at the feet of Ospakar.” 

“ Well spoken, Eric,” she answered. “ Now, before thou 
drinkest, grant me one little boon. It is but a woman’s fan- 
cy, and thou scarce canst say me nay. The years will be long 
when thou art gone, for from this night it is best that we 
should meet no more, and I would keep something of thee to 
call back thy memory and the memories of youth when thou 
hast passed away and I grow old.” 

“ What wouldst have, then, Swanhild ? I have nothing left 
to give save Whitefire alone.” 

“ I do not ask Whitefire, Eric, though Whitefire shall kiss 
the gift. I ask nothing but one tress of that golden hair of 
thine.” 

“ Once I swore that none should touch my hair again ex- 
cept Gudruda’s self.” 

“It will grow long, then, Eric, for now Gudruda tends 
black locks and thinks little on golden. Broken are all 
oaths.” 

Eric groaned. “ All oaths are broken in sooth,” he said. 
“ Have then thy will ;” and, loosing the peace strings, he drew 
Whitefire from its sheath and gave her the great war sword. 


ERIC BRIG HTE YES. 


189 


Swanliild took it by the hilt, and, deftly lifting a tress of 
Eric’s yellow hair, shore through it with Whitefire’s razor 
edge, smiling as she shore. With the same war blade on 
which Eric and Gudruda had pledged their troth, did Swan- 
hild cut the locks that Eric had sworn none should cut save 
Gudruda alone. 

He took back the sword and sheathed it, and, knotting the 
long tress, Swanhild hid it in her bosom. 

“ Now drink the cup, Eric,” she said ; “ drink the cup and 
go.” 

He drank to the dregs and cast it down, and lo ! all things 
changed to him, and his blood was afire, and seas seemed to 
roll within his brain. Only before him stood Swanhild like 
a shape of light and glory, and it seemed that she sang softly 
over him, drawing ever nearer, and that with her came a 
scent of fiowers like the scent of the Iceland meads in May. 

“ All oaths are broken, Eric,” she murmured ; “ all oaths 
are broken indeed, and now must new oaths be sworn. For 
cut is thy golden hair, Brighteyes, and not by Gudruda’s 
hand !” 


Chapter XX. 


HOW ERIC. WAS NAMED ANEW. 

Eric dreamed. He dreamed that Gudruda stood by him, 
looking at him with soft, sad eyes, while with her hand she 
pointed to his hair, and spake : 

“ Thou hast done ill, Eiic,” she seemed to say. “ Thou 
hast done ill to doubt me, and now thou art forever shamed, 
for thou hast betrayed Atli, thy friend. Thou hast broken 
thy oath, and therefore hast thou fallen into this pit; for 
when Swanhild shore that lock from thee my watching spirit 
passed, leaving thee to Swanhild and thy fate. Now, I tell 
thee this : that shame shall lead to shame, and many lives shall 
pay forfeit for thy sin.” 

Eric awoke, thinking that this was indeed an evil dream 
which he had dreamed. He woke, and, lo ! at his side slept 
Swanhild, Atli’s wife. He looked upon her dark beauty, and 
a mighty fear and shame crept into his heart ; for now he 
knew it was no dream, but he was lost indeed. He looked 
upon her again, and a great hatred and loathing of her shook 
his soul. She had overcome him by her arts ; that cup was 
drugged which he had drunk, and he was mad with grief. 
Yes, she had played upon his woe like a harper on a harp, 
and now he was utterly shamed and lost; now he had be- 
trayed his friend who loved him ! Had Whitefire been to his 
hand at that moment, he had surely slain her and slain him- 
self. At the least, if her he might not slay, he had slain 
himself. But the great sword was not there, for it swung in 
Swanhild’s bower. He groaned aloud, and Swanhild woke at 
the sound, and turned to kiss him. But he sprang from her 
side, and stood over her, cursing her. 


ERIC BRIGHTEYE8. 


191 


“ Thou witch !” he cried, “ what hast thou done ? What 
didst thou mix in that cup yestre’en ? Thou hast brought me 
to the last shame, so that I have betrayed Atli, my friend — 
Atli, thy lord, who left thee in my keeping ! He left thee in 
my keeping, and I have kept thee thus !” 

He seemed so terrible in his woe and rage that Swanhild 
shrank from him, and, throwing her hair about her face, peeped 
at him through its meshes. 

“ It is like a man,” she said, gathering up her courage and 
her wit ; “ ’tis like a man, having won my love, having led me 
from the path of honor, now to turn upon me and upbraid me. 
Fie upon tkee, Eric ! thou hast dealt ill with me to bring me 
to this.” 

Now Eric ceased his raving, and spoke more calmly. 

“ Well, thou knowest the truth, Swanhild,” he said. “ Know- 
est thou this also, that I am minded to slay thee, and then to 
die myself ?” 

“ That thou canst never do, Eric,” she answered. “ How, 
being a man, canst thou slay her who is thy love ? Oh, heark- 
en ! hearken !” and she slipped from the bed and clasped his 
knees. “ When evil is done, what matters it how it was done ? 
For, being done, it is done for aye, and never can be undone ; 
and, at the least, it was for love of thee. Let us not waste our 
breath in bandying words and railing one upon another, for 
now we are bound together with a bond that cannot be broken. 
See, now, let us front our sin, and turn our shame to joy. Put 
away thy hate, and love me, Eric, as I love thee. Let this be 
secret between us. None know, and none need know, our 
fault. Atli is old, and methinks that not for long shall he bide 
here in Straumey. Soon he will die ; it is upon my mind that 
he soon will die, and, being childless, his lands and goods pass 
to me. TJien, Eric, thou shalt sit in Atli’s hall, and in all 
honor shall Atli’s wife become thy bride.” 

Eric listened coldly. “ I can well believe,” he said, “ that 
thou hast it in thy mind to slay thy lord, as thou hast slain 
mine honor, for all evil is in thy heart, Swanhild. Now know 


192 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


this, that if, in honor or dishonor, my lips touch that fair face 
of thine again, may my limbs rot from my trunk, and may I 
lie a log forever in the halls of Hela ! If ever my eyes, of 
their own will, look again upon thy bared beauty, may I go 
blind, and beg my meat from stead to stead ! If ever my 
tongue whisper another word of love into thy ears, may dumb- 
ness seize it, and may it wither to the root !” 

Now she looked, and sank upon the ground before him, her 
head bowed almost to her feet. 

“Listen again, Swanhild, for I have not yet told thee all. 
When Atli, thy lord, comes home, I go to him, and tell this 
tale. Then he may take my life, if so he deems it well — and 
methinks it will best be ended thus ; and with thee he may 
deal as it pleases him.” 

She opened her lips as though to speak, but she said no 
word. 

“ Now, Swanhild, fare thee well,” said Eric. “ Living or 
dead, may I never see thy face again !” 

She gazed up through her falling hair ; her face was wild 
and white, and her eyes glowed in it as live embers glow in 
the ashes of burned wood. 

“We are not so easily parted, Eric,” she said. “Not for 
this came I to witchcraft and to sin. Thou fool ! hast thou 
never heard that, of all the foes a man may have, none is so 
terrible as the woman he has scorned? Thou shalt learn this 
lesson, Eric Brighteyes, Thorgrimur’s son ; for here we have 
but the beginning of the tale. For its end, I will write it in 
runes of blood.” 

“ Write on,” said Eric. “ Thou canst do no worse than 
thou hast done,” and he passed thence. 

For a while Swanhild crouched upon the ground, brooding 
in silence. Then she rose, and, throwing up her arms, wept 
aloud. 

“ Is it for this that I have sold my soul to the Hell-hag ?” 
she cried. “ Is it for this that I have become a witch, and 
sunk so low as I sank last night — to be scorned, to be hated, 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


193 


tTO be betrayed? What was it he said? — that he would to 
Atli ? Nay, there I will be beforehand with him, and telling 
another tale — an ancient wile of women truly, but one that 
never yet hath failed them, nor ever will. And then for ven- 
geance. I will see thee dead, Eric, and dead will 1 see Gu- 
druda at thy side. Afterwards let darkness come — ay, though 
the horror rides it ! Swift ! — I must be swift !” 

Eric passed into Swanhild’s bower, and, finding Whitefire, 
bore it thence. On the table was food. lie took it. Then, 
going to the place where he was wont to sleep, he armed him- 
self, girding his byrnie on his breast and his golden helm upon 
his head, and taking shield and spear in his hand. Then he 
passed out. By the man’s door he found some women-folk 
spreading fish in the sun. He greeted them, saying that when 
the earl came back, for he was to come on that morning, he 
would find him on the southwestern rocks nigh to where the 
“ Gudruda ” sank. This he begged of them to tell Atli, for he 
desired speech with him. 

The women wondered that he should go forth thus, and 
fully armed, but, holding that he had some deed to do, they 
said nothing. 

Eric came to the rocks, and there he sat all day long look- 
ing on the sea, and grieving so bitterly that he thought his 
heart would burst within him. For, of all the days of Eric’s 
life, this was the heaviest, except one other only. 

Swanhild threw her robes about her, and, going to her 
bower, caused Koll the Half-witted to be summoned. To him 
she spake long and earnestly, and they made a shameful plot 
together. Then she bade Koll watch for Atli^s coming, and, 
when he saw him leave his boats, run to him and say that she 
would speak with him. 

After this she sent a man across the firth to the stead where 
Hall of Lithdale sat, bidding him come to her at speed. 

When the afternoon drew towards the evening, Koll, watch- 
ing, saw the boats of Atli draw to the landing-place. Then 
he went down,, and, going to the earl, bowed before him. 

13 


194 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


“ What wouldst thou, fellow, and who art thou ?” asked 
Atli. 

“ I am a man from Iceland ; perchance, lord, thou sawest 
me in Asmund’s hall, at Middalhof. I am sent hither by the 
Lady Swanhild to say that she desires sjleech with thee, and 
that at once.” Then, seeing Skallagrim, Koll fled back to the 
house, for he feared Skallagrim. 

Now Atli was uneasy in his mind, and, saying nothing, hur- 
ried up to the hall, and through it into Swanhild’s bower. 

There she sat on a couch, her eyes red with weeping, her 
curling hair unbound, and her garments disarrayed. 

“ What now, Swanhild ?” he asked. “ Why lookest thou 
thus?” 

“ Why look I thus, my lord ?” she answered, heavily. “ Be- 
cause I have to tell thee that which I can ill find words to 
tell,” and she ceased. 

Speak on,” he said. “ Is aught wrong with Eric ?” 

“ Say not that name !” she whispered. “ Let not that name 
befoul thy lips ! Hearken ! Thou didst go hence leaving the 
man whose name thou spakest but now to watch over me and 
ward ill from me. Is it not so ?” 

“ It is so, Swanhild. What of it ?” 

“ What of it ? This of it. Thus did he guard me. Nay, 
draw near, and let me whisper in thine ear. I cannot shame 
the air with the sound of that which I must say.” 

Now the earl drew near, afraid and wondering. Then Swan- 
hild whispered awhile in his ear, and drew her lips away. 

For a moment or so Atli stood, and grew white beneath his 
ruddy skin, white as his beard. Then he staggered back 
against the wainscoting of the bower. 

“Woman, thou best!” he said. “Never will I believe so 
vile a thing of Eric Brighteyes, whom I have loved.” 

“ Would that I could not believe it !” she answered. “ Would 
that I could think it was but an evil dream ! But, alas ! it is 
no dream. That which I tell thee this man has done. Nay, 
I will prove it. Suffer that I summon Koll, the Icelander, 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


195 


who was my mother’s thrall — my mother who is now dead, 
for that tidings I have, also. He saw something of this thing, 
and he will bear me witness.” 

“ Summon the man,” said Atli, sternly. 

So Roll was summoned, and told his lies with a bold face. 
He was so well taught, and so closely did his story tally with 
that of Swanhild, that Atli could find no flaw in it. 

“ Now I am sure, Swanhild, that thou speakest truth,” 
said the earl, when Roll had gone. “ And now, also, I have 
somewhat to say to this Eric. For thee, rest thyself ; that 
which cannot be mended must be borne,” and he went out. 

Now, when Skallagrira came to the house, he asked for Eric. 
The women told him that Brighteyes had gone down to the 
sea, fully armed, in the morning, and had not returned. 

“ Then there must be fighting towards, and that I am loath 
to miss,” said Skallagrim, and, axe aloft, he started for the 
southwestern rocks at a run. Skallagrim came to the rocks. 
There he found Eric, sitting in his harness, looking out across 
the sea. The evening was wet ; the rain beat upon him as he 
sat, but Eric took no heed. 

“ What seekest thou, lord ?” asked the Baresark. 

“ Rest,” said Eric, “ and I find little.” 

“ Thou seekest rest helm on head and sword in hand ? This 
is a strange thing, truly !” 

Stranger things have been, Skallagrim. Wouldst hear a 
tale ?” and he told him all. 

What said I ?” asked Skallagrim. “ We had fared better 
in London town. Flying from the dove, thou hast found the 
falcon.” 

“ I have found the falcon, comrade, and she has pecked out 
my eyes. Now I would speak with Atli, and then I go 
hence.” 

“ Hence go the twain of us, lord. Atli will be here pres- 
ently, and rough words will fly in this rough weather. Is 
Whitefire sharp, Brighteyes ?” 

“ Whitefire was sharp enough to shear my hair, Skallagrim ; 


196 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


but if Atli would strike, let him lay on. Whitefire will not 
be aloft for him.” 

“That we shall see,” said Skallagrim. “ At least, if thou 
art harmed because of this loose queen, my axe will be 
aloft.” 

“ Keep thou thine axe in its place,” said Eric, and as he 
spoke Atli came, and with him many men. 

Eric rose and turned to meet the earl, looking at him with 
sad eyes. For Atli, his face was as the face of a trapped 
wolf, for he was mad with rage at the shame that had been 
put upon him and the ill tale that Swanhild had told of Eric’s 
dealings with her. 

“ It seems that the earl has heard of these tidings,” said 
Skallagrim. 

“ Then I shall be spared the telling of them,” answered 
Eric. 

Now they stood face to face ; Atli leaned upon his drawn 
sword, and his wrath was so fierce that for a while he could 
not speak. ' At length he found words. 

“ See ye that man, comrades ?” he said, pointing at Eric 
with the sword. “ He has been my guest these many months. 
He has sat in my hall and eaten of my bread, and I have 
loved him as a son. And wot ye how he has repaid me ? He 
has put me to the greatest shame, me and my wife, the Lady 
Swanhild, whom 1 left in his guard — to such shame, indeed, 
that I cannot speak it.” 

“ True words, lord,” said Eric, while folk murmured and 
handled their swords. 

“ True, but not all the truth,” growled Skallagrim. “ Me- 
thinks the earl has heard a painted tale.” 

“ True words, thyself thou sayest it,” went on Atli, “ thou 
hound that I saved from the sea ! ‘ Ran’s gift, Hela’s gift,’ 

so runs the saw, and now from Ran to Hela shalt thou go, 
thou mishandler of defenceless women !” 

“ Here is somewhat of which I know nothing,” said Eric. 

“And here is something of which thou shalt know,” an- 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


197 


swered Atli, and he shook his sword before Eric’s eyes. 
“ Guard thyself !” 

“Nay, lord ; thou art old, and I have done thee wrong — 
I may not fight with thee.” 

“ Art thou a coward, also ?” raved the earl. 

“ Some have deemed otherwise,” said Eric ; “ hut it is true 
that heavy heart makes weak hand. Nevertheless, this is my 
rede. With thee are ten men. Stand thou aside and let 
them fall on me till I am slain.” 

“ The odds are too heavy,” said Skallagrim. “ Back to 
back, lord, as we have stood aforetime, and let us play this 
game together.” 

“ Not so,” cried Atli ; “ this shame is mine, and I have 
sworn to Swanhild that I will wipe it out in Eric’s blood. 
Stand thou before me and draw !” 

Now Eric drew Whitefire and raised his shield. Atli the 
earl rushed on him and smote a great two-handed blow. Eric 
caught it on his shield and suffered no harm ; but he would 
not smite back. 

Atli dropped his point. “ Niddering art thou, and coward 
to the last !” he cried. “ See, men, Eric Brighteyes fears to 
fight. I am not come to this, that I will cut down a man who 
is too faint-hearted to give blow for blow. This is my word : 
take your spear-shafts and push this coward to the shore. 
Then put him in a boat and drive him hence.” 

Now Eric grew red as the red light of sunset, for his man- 
hood might not bear this. 

“ Take shield,” he said, “ and earl, on thine own head be 
thy blood, for none shall live to call Eric niddering and cow- 
ard.” 

Atli laughed in his folly and his rage. He took a shield, 
and, once more rushing on Brighteyes, struck a great blow. 

Eric parried, then whirled Whitefire on high and smote — 
once, and once only ! Down rushed the bright blade like a 
star through the night. Sword and shield did Atli lift to 
catch the blow. Through sword it sheared, through shield 


198 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


beneath and arm that held the shield, through byrnie mail and 
deep into Earl Atli’s side. He fell prone to earth, while men 
held their breath, wondering at the greatness of that stroke. 

But Eric leaned on Whitefire, and looked at the old earl 
upon the rock. 

“ Now, Atli, thou hast had thy way,” he said, “ and me- 
thinks things are worse than they were before. But I will 
say this : would that I lay there and thou stoodest to wat^h 
me die, for as lief would I have slain my father as thou, Earl 
Atli. There lies Swanhild’s work.” 

Atli gazed upward into Eric’s sad eyes, and while he gazed 
so, his rage left him, and of a sudden a light broke upon his 
mind, as even then the light of the setting sun brake through 
the mist. 

“ Eric,” he said, “ draw nigh and speak with me ere I be 
sped. Methinks that I have been beguiled somewhat and that 
thou didst not do this thing that Swanhild said and Roll bore 
witness to.” 

“ What did Swanhild say, then, Earl Atli ?” 

The earl told him. 

“ It was to be looked for from her,” said Eric, “ though I 
never thought of it. Now hearken !” and he told him all. 

Atli groaned aloud. “ I know this now, Eric,” he said, 
“ that thou speakest truth, and once more I have been de- 
ceived. Eric, I forgive thee all, for no man may fight against 
woman’s witchcraft and witch’s wine. Swanhild is evil to the 
heart. Yet, Eric, I lay this doom upon thee — I do not lay it 
of my own will, for I would not harm thee, whom I love, but 
because of the words that the Norns put in my mouth, for 
now I am fey in this the hour of my death. Thou hast sinned, 
and that thou didst sin against thy will shall avail thee noth- 
ing, for of thy sin fate shall fashion a handle to the spear 
that pierces thee. Henceforth thou art accursed. For I tell 
thee that this wicked woman Swanhild shall drag thee down 
to death, and worse than death, and with thee those thou 
lovest. By witchcraft she brought thee to Straumey ; by lies 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


199 


she laid me here before thee. Now, by hate and might and 
cruel deeds shall she bring thee to lie more low than I do. 
For, Eric, thou art bound to her by sin, and never shalt thou 
loose the bond !” 

He ceased awhile, then spoke again : 

“ Hearken, comrades,” he cried ; “ my strength is well-nigh 
sped. Ye shall swear four things to me: that ye will give 
Eric Brighteyes and Skallagrim Lambstail safe passage from 
Straumey. That ye will tell Swanhild the Fatherless, Groa’s 
daughter and Atli’s wife, that, at last, I know her for what 
she is — a murderess, a harlot, a witch, and a liar ; and that I 
forgive Eric, whom she tricked, but that her I hate and- spit 
upon. That ye will slay Roll the Half-witted, Groa’s thrall, 
who came hither two days gone, since by his lies he hath set 
an edge upon this sword of falsehood. That ye will raise no 
blood feud against Eric for this, my slaying, for I goaded him 
to the deed. Do ye swear ?” 

“ We swear,” said the men. 

“ Then farewell ! And to thee farewell, also, Eric Bright- 
eyes ! Now take my hand and hold it while I die. Behold ! 
I give thee a new name, and by that name thou shalt be called 
in story. Eric the Unlucky I name thee. Of all tales that 
are told, thine shall be the greatest. A mighty stroke that 
was of thine — a mighty stroke ! Farewell !” 

Then his head fell back upon the rock and Earl Atli died. 
And as he died the last rays of light went out of the sky. 


Chapter XXL 


HOW HALL OF LITHDALE TOOK TIDINGS TO ICELAND. 

Now on the same night that Atli died at the hand of Eric, 
Swanhild spake with Hall of Lithdale, whom she had sum- 
moned from the mainland. She hade him do this : take pas- 
sage in a certain ship that should sail for Iceland on the mor- 
row from the island that is called Westra, and there tell all 
these tidings of the ill-doings of Eric and of the slaying of Atli. 

“ This thou shalt say,” she went on, “ that Eric had been 
my love for long, but that at length the matter came to the 
ears of Atli the earl. Then, holding this the greatest shame, 
he went on holmgang with Eric and was slain by him. This 
shalt thou add to thy tale also, that presently Eric and I will 
wed, and that Eric shall rule as earl in Orkneys. Now, these 
tidings must soon come to the ears of Gududra the Fair, and' 
she will send for thee and question thee straitly concerning 
them, and thou shalt tell her the tale as thou toldest it at first. 
Then thou shalt give Gudruda this packet, which I send her 
as a gift, saying that I bade her remember a certain oath that 
Eric took as to the cutting of his hair. And when she sees 
that which is within the packet is somewhat stained, tell her 
that it is but the blood of Atli that is upon it, as his blood is 
upon Eric’s hands. Now remember thou this, that if thou 
fail in the errand thy life shall pay forfeit, for presently I will 
also come to Iceland and hear how thou hast sped.” 

Then she gave him faring money and great gifts, promising 
that he should have so much again when she came to Iceland. 

Hall said that he would do all these things, and straightway 
went ; nor did he fail in his tasks. 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


201 


Atli being dead, Eric loosed bis hand and called to the men 
to take lip his body and bear it to the hall. This they did. 
Eric stood and watched them till they were lost in the dark- 
ness. 

“ Whither now, lord ?” said Skallagrim. 

“ It matters little,” said Eric. “ What is thy counsel ?” 

“ This is my counsel : That we take ship and sail back to 
the king in London. There we will tell all this tale. It is a 
far cry from Straumey Isle to London town, and there we shall 
sit in peace, for the king will think little of the slaying of an 
Orkney earl in a brawl about a woman. Mayhap, too, the 
Lady Elfrida will not set great store by it. Therefore, I say, 
let us fare back to London.” 

“ In but one place am I at home, and that is Iceland. 
Thither I will go, Skallagrim, though it be but to miss friend 
from stead and bride from bed. At the least I shall find 
Ospakar there.” 

“ Listen, lord !” said Skallagrim. “ Was it not my rede 
that we should bide this winter through in London ? Thou 
wouldst none of it, and what came about ? Our ship is lost, 
gone are our comrades, thine honor is tarnished, and dead is 
thy host at thine own hand. Yet I, say all is not lost. Let 
us hence south, and see no more of Swanhild, of Gudruda, 
of Bjorn, and Ospakar. So shall we break the spell. But if 
thou goest to Iceland, I am sure of this : that the evil fate 
which Atli foretold will fall on thee, and the days to come 
shall be even more unlucky than the days that have been.” 

“ It may be so,” said Eric. “ Methinks, indeed, it will be 
so. Eric the Unlucky am I henceforth. Yet I will go back 
to Iceland and there play out the game. I care little if I live 
or am slain ; I have no more joy in my life. I stand alone 
like a fir upon a mountain-top, and every wind from heaven 
and every storm of hail and snow beats upon my head. But 
I say to thee, Skallagrim, go thy road and leave a luckless 
man to his ill fate. Otherwise it shall be thine also. Good 
friend hast thou been to me ; now let us part and wend south 


202 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


and north. The king will be glad to greet thee yonder in 
London, Lambstail.” 

“But one severing shall we know, lord,” said Skallagrim, 
“ and that shall be sword’s work, nor will it be for long. It 
is ill to speak such words as these of the parting of lord and 
thrall. Bethink thee of the oath I swore on Mosfell. Let us 
go north, since it is thy will ; in fifty years it will count little 
which way we wended from the Isles.” 

So they went together down to the shore, and, finding a boat 
and men who as yet knew nothing of what had chanced to 
Atli, they sailed across the firth at the rising of the moon. 

Two days afterwards they found a ship at Wick that was 
bound for Farey Isles, and sailed in her, Eric buying a pas- 
sage with the half of a gold ring that the king had given him 
in London. 

Here at Fareys they sat a month or more ; but not in the 
earl’s house, as when Eric came in honor in the “ Gudruda,” 
but in a farmer’s stead. For the tale of Eric’s dealings with 
Atli and Atli’s wife had reached Fareys, and the earl there had 
been a friend of Atli’s. Moreover, Eric was now a poor man, 
having neither ship nor goods nor friends. Therefore all 
looked coldly on him, though they wondered greatly at his 
beauty and his might. Still, they dared not to speak ill or 
make mock of him ; for, two men having done so, were nearly 
slain of Skallagrim, who seized the twain by the throat, one in 
either hand, and dashed their heads together. After that men 
said little. 

They sat there a month, till at length a chapman put in at 
Farey Isles, bound for Iceland, and they took passage wdth 
him, Eric paying the other half of his gold ring for ship room. 
The chapman was not willing to give them place at first, for 
he, too, had heard the tale ; but Skallagrim offered him choice, 
either to do so or to go on holmgang with him. Then the 
chapman gave them passage. 

Now it is told that when his thralls and house carles bore 
the corpse of Atli the Earl to his hall in Straiirney, Swanhild 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


203 


met it and wept over it. And when the spokesman among 
them stood forward and told her those words that Atli 
had bidden them to say to her, sparing none, she spoke 
thus : 

“ My lord was distraught and weak with loss of blood when 
he spoke thus. The tale I told him was true, and now Eric 
has added to his sin by shedding the blood of him whom he 
so sorely wronged.” 

And thereafter she spoke so sweetly and with so much 
gentleness, craft, and wisdom that, though they still doubted 
them, all men held her words weighty. For Swanhild had this 
art, that she could make the false sound true in the ears of men, 
and the true sound false. 

Still, being mindful of their oath, they hunted for Koll and 
found him. And when the thrall knew that they would slay 
him he ran thence screaming. Nor did Swanhild lift a hand 
to save his life, for she desired that he should die, lest he 
should bear witness against her. Away he ran towards the 
cliffs, and after him sped Atli’s house carles, till he came to the 
great cliffs that edge in the sea. Now they were close upon 
him, and their swords were aloft. Then, sooner than know 
the kiss of steel, the liar leaped from the cliffs and was crushed, 
dying miserably on the rocks below. And this was the end 
of Koll the Half-witted, Groa’s thrall. 

Swanhild sat in Straumey for a while, and took all Atli’s 
heritage into her keeping, for he had no male kin ; nor did 
any say her nay. Also she called in the moneys that he had 
out at interest, and that was a great sum, for Atli was a care- 
ful and a wealthy man. Then Swanhild made ready to go to 
Iceland. Atli had a great dragon of war, and she manned 
that ship, and filled it with stores and all things needful. This 
done, she set stewards and grieves over the Orkney lands and 
farms, and, when the earl was six weeks dead, she sailed for 
Iceland, giving out that she went thither to set a blood-suit 
on foot against Eric for the death of Atli, her lord. There 
she came in safety just as folk rode to the Thing. 


204 


ERIC BRlGHTEYEg. 


Now Hall of Lithdale came to Iceland and told his tale of 
the doings of Eric and the death of Atli. Oft and loud he 
told it, and soon people gossiped of it in field and fair and 
stead. Bjorn, Asmund’s son, heard this talk and sent for 
Hall. To him also Hall told the tale. 

“ Now,” said Bjorn, “ we will go in to my sister, Gudruda 
the Fair, and learn how she takes these tidings.” 

So they went in to where Gudruda sat spinning in the hall, 
singing as she span. 

“ Greeting, Gudruda,” said Bjorn. “ Say, hast thou tidings 
of Eric Brighteyes, thy betrothed ?” 

“ I have no tidings,” said Gudruda. 

“ Then here is one who brings them.” 

Now for the first time Gudruda the Fair saw Hall of Lith- 
dale. Up she sprang. “ Thou hast tidings of Eric, Hall ? 
Ah ! thou art welcome, for no tidings have come of him for 
many a month. Speak on,” and she pressed her hand against 
her heart and leaned towards him. 

“ My tidings are ill, lady.” 

“ Is Eric dead ? Say not my love is dead !” 

“ He is worse than dead,” said Hall. “ He is shamed.” . 

“ There thou best. Hall,” she answered. “ Shame and Eric 
are things apart.” 

“ Mayst thou think so when thou hast heard my tale, lady,” 
said Hall, “ for I am sad at heart to speak it of one who was 
my mate.” 

“ Speak on, I say,” answered Gudruda, in such a voice that 
Hall shrank from her. “ Speak on ; but of this I warn thee : 
that if in one word thou best, that shall be thy death when 
Eric comes.” 

Now Hall was afraid, thinking of the axe of Skallagrim. 
Still, he might not go back upon his word. So he began at 
the beginning, telling the story of how he was wounded in the 
fight with Ospakar’s folks, and left at Farey Isles, and how he 
came thence to Scotland, and sat in Atb’s hall on Orkneys. 
Then he told how the “ Gudruda ” was wrecked on Straumey, 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


205 


and, of all aboard, Eric and Skallagrim alone were saved be- 
cause of Swanbild’s dream. 

“ Herein I see witch work,” said Gudruda. 

Then Hall told that Eric became Swanhild’s love, but of the 
other tale that Swanhild had told to Atli he said nothing. For 
he knew that Gudruda would not believe this, and, moreover, 
if it were so, Swanhild had not sent the token which he should 
give. 

“ It well may be,” said Gudruda, proudly ; “ Swanhild is fair, 
and light of mind. Perchance she led him into this -snare.” 
But, though she spoke thus, bitter jealousy and anger burned 
in her breast and she remembered the sight which she had seen 
when Eric and Swanhild met on the morn of Atli’s wedding. 

Then Hall told of the slaying of Atli the Good by Eric ; 
but he said nothing of the earl’s dying words, nor of how 
he had goaded Brighteyes with his bitter words. 

“ It was an ill deed in sooth,” said Gudruda, “ for Eric to 
slay an old man whom he had wronged. Still, it may chance 
that he was driven to the deed for his own life’s sake.” 

Then Hall said that he had seen Swanhild after Atli’s slay- 
ing, and that she had told him that she and Eric shortly 
should wed, and that Eric would rule in Orkneys by her side. 

Gudruda asked if that was all his tale. 

“ Yes, lady,” answered Hall, “ that is all my tale, for after 
that I sailed and know not what chanced. But I am charged 
to give something to thee, and that by the Lady Swanhild. 
This also she bade me say : that when thou lookest on the 
gift thou shouldst think on a certain oath that Eric took as 
to the cutting of his hair.” And he drew a linen packet from 
his breast and gave it to her. 

Thrice Gudruda looked on it, fearing to open it. Then, 
seeing the smile of mockery on Bjorn’s cold face, she took the 
silver shears that hung at her side and cut the silk with them. 
And as she cut, a lock of golden hair rose from the packet, 
untwisting itself like a living snake. The lock was long, and 
its end was caked with gore. 


206 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


“ Whose hair is this ?” said Gudruda, though she knew the 
hair well. 

“ Eric’s hair,” said Hall, “ that Swanhild cut from his head 
with Eric’s sword.” 

Now Gudruda put her hand into her bosom. She drew out 
a satchel, and from the satchel a lock of yellow hair. Side by 
side she placed the locks, looking first on one and then on the 
other. 

“ This is Eric’s hair in sooth,” she said — “ Eric’s hair that 
he swore none but I should cut ! Eric’s hair that Swanhild 
shore with Whitefire from Eric’s head — Whitefire whereon we 
swore our troth ! Say, now, whose blood is this that stains 
the hair of Eric ?” 

“ It is Atli’s blood, whom Eric first dishonored and then 
slew with his own hand,” answered Hall. 

Now there burned a fire on the hearth, for the day was cold. 
Gudruda the Fair stood over the fire, and with either hand 
she let the two locks of Eric’s hair fall upon the embers. 
Slowly they twisted up and burned. She watched them burn, 
then she threw up her hands and with a great cry fled from 
the hall. 

Bjorn and Hall of Lithdale looked on each other. 

“ Thou hadst best go hence !” said Bjorn ; “ and of this I 
warn thee. Hall, though I hold thy tidings good, that if thou 
hast spoken one false word, that will be thy death. For then 
it would be better for thee to face all the wolves in Iceland 
than to stand before Eric in his rage.” 

Again Hall bethought him of the axe of Skallagrim, and he 
went forth heavily. 

That day a messenger came from Gudruda to Bjorn, saying 
that she would speak with him. He went to where she sat 
alone upon her bed. Her face was white as death, and her 
eyes glowed. 

“ Eric has dealt badly with thee to bring thee to this sor- 
row,” said Bjorn. 

“ Speak not ill of Eric to me,” she answered. “ The evil 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


207 


that he has done will be paid back to him ; there is little need 
for thee to heap words upon his head. Hearken, Bjorn, my 
brother : Is it yet thy will that I should wed Ospakar Black- 
tooth ?” 

“ That is my will, surely. There is no such match in Ice- 
land as this Ospakar, and I should win many friends by it.” ’ 

“ Do this then, Bjorn. Send messengers to Swinefell and 
say to Ospakar that if he would still wed Gudruda the Fair, 
Asmund’s daughter, let him come to Middalhof when folk 
ride from the Thing and he shall not go hence alone. Nay, I 
have done. Now, I pray of thee speak no more to me of Eric 
or of Ospakar. Of the one I have seen and heard enough, 
and of the other enough I shall hear and see in the years that 
are to come.” 


Chapter XXIL 


HOW ERIC CAME HOME AGAIN. 

SwANHiLD made a good passage from the Orkneys, and was 
in Iceland thirty-five days before Eric and Skallagrim set foot 
there. But she did not land by Westman Isles, for she had 
no wish to face Gudruda at that time, but by Reyjaness. Now 
she rode thence with her company to Thingvalla, for here all 
men were gathered for the Thing. At first people hung 
aloof from her, notwithstanding her wealth and beauty ; but 
Swanhild knew well how to win the hearts of men. For now 
she told the same story of Eric that she had told Atli, and 
there were none to say her nay. So it came to pass that she 
was believed, and Eric Brighteyes held to be shamed indeed. 
Now, too, she set a suit on foot against Eric for the death of 
Atli at his hand, claiming that sentence of the greater out- 
lawry should be passed against him, and that his lands at 
Coldback in the Marsh on Ran River should be given, half to 
her in atonement for the earl’s death, and half to the men of 
Eric’s quarter. 

On the day of the opening of the Thing Ospakar Black- 
tooth came from the north, and with him his son Gizur and a 
great company of men. Ospakar was blithe, for from the 
Thing he should ride to Middalhof, there to wed Gudruda the 
Fair. Then Swanhild clad herself in beautiful attire, and, 
taking men with her, went to the booth of Ospakar. 

Blacktooth sat in his booth, and by him sat Gizur, his son, 
the Lawman. When he saw a beauteous lady, very richly 
clad, enter the booth he did not know who it might be. But 
Gizur knew her well, for he could never put Swanhild from 
his mind. 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


209 


“ Lo ! here comes Swanhild the Fatherless, Atli’s widow,” 
said Giziir, flushing red with joy at the sight of her. 

Then Ospakar greeted her heartily, and made place for her 
by him at the top of the booth. 

“ Ospakar Blacktooth,” she said, “ I am come to ask this 
of thee : that thou shalt befriend me in the suit which I have 
against Eric Brighteyes for the slaying of Atli, my husband.” 

“ Thou couldst have come to no man who is more willing,” 
said Ospakar, “ for if thou hast somewhat against Eric, I 
have yet more.” 

“ I would ask this, too, Ospakar : that thy son Gizur should' 
take up my suit and plead it ; for I know well that he^ is the 
most skilful of all lawmen.” 

“ I will do that,” said Gizur, his eyes yet flxed upon her 
face. 

“ I looked for no less from thee,” said Swanhild, “ and be 
sure of this, that thou shalt not plead for nothing,” and she 
glanced at him meaningly. Then she set out her case with a 
lying tongue afterwards, and went back to her booth, glad at 
heart. For now she learned that Hall had not failed in his 
errand, seeing that Gudruda was about to wed Ospakar. 

Gizur gave notice of the blood-suit, and the end of it was 
that, though he was not there to answer to the charge, Eric, 
against all right and custom, was declared outlaw, and his 
lands were given, half to Swanhild and half to the men of his 
quarter. For now all held that Swanhild’s was a true tale, 
and Eric the most shameful of men, and therefore they were 
willing to stretch the law against him. Also, being absent, 
he had few friends, and those men of small account ; whereas 
Ospakar,* who backed Swanhild’s suit, was the most powerful 
of the Northern chiefs, as Gizur was the most skilled lawman 
in Iceland. Moreover, Bjorn the Priest, Asrnund’s son, was 
among the judges, and, though Swanhild’s tale seemed strange 
to him after that which he had heard from Hall of Lithdale, 
he loved Eric little. He feared, also, that if Eric came a free 
man to Iceland before Gudruda was wed to Ospakar, her love 
U 


210 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


would, conquer her anger, for he could see well that she still 
loved Brighteyes. Therefore he strove with might and main 
that Eric should be brought in guilty, nor did he fail. 

So the end of it was that Eric Brighteyes was outlawed, his 
lands declared forfeit, and his head a wolf’s head, to be taken 
by him who might, should he set foot in Iceland. 

Thereafter, the Althing being ended, Bjorn, Gizur, and Os- 
pakar, with all their company, rode away to Middalhof, to sit 
at the marriage feast. But Swanhild and her folk went by 
sea in the long war ship to Westmans. For this was her 
plan : to seize on Coldback and to sit there for a while, till 
she saw if Eric came out to Iceland. Also she desired to see 
the wedding of Ospakar and Gudruda, for she had been bid- 
den to it by Bjorn, her half-brother. 

Now Ospakar came to Middalhof, and found Gudruda wait- 
ing his coming. 

She stood in the great hall, pale and cold as April snow, 
and greeted him courteously. But when he would have 
kissed her she shrank from him, for now he was more hid- 
eous in her sight than he had ever been, and she loathed him 
in her heart. 

That night there was feasting in the hall, and at the feast 
Gudruda heard that Eric had been made outlaw. Then she 
spoke : . 

“ This is an ill deed, to judge an absent man.” 

“Say, Gudruda,” said Bjorn in her ear, “ hast thou not also 
judged Eric who is absent?” 

She turned her head and spoke no more of Eric ; but 
Bjorn’s words fixed themselves in her heart like arrows. The 
tale was strange to her, for it seemed that Eric had been 
made outlaw at Swanhild’s suit, and yet Eric was Swanhild’s 
love; for Swanhild’s self had sent the lock of Brighteyes’ 
hair by Hall, saying that he was her love and soon would 
wed her. How, then, did Swanhild bring a suit against him 
who should be her husband ? Moreover, she heard that Swan- 
hild sailed down to Coldback, and was bidden to the marriage 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


211 


feast, that should he on the third day from now. Could it 
he, then, when all was said and done, that Eric was less faith- 
less than she deemed ? Her heart stood still and the blood 
rushed to her brow when she thought on it. Also, even if it 
were so, it was now too late. And surely it was not so, for 
had not Eric been made outlaw ? Men were not made outlaw 
for a little thing. Nay, she would meet her fate, and ask no 
more of Eric and his doings. 

On the morrow, as Gudruda sat in her chamber, it was told 
her that Saevuna, Thorgrimur’s widow and Eric’s mother, 
had come from Coldback to speak with her. For, after the 
death of Asmund and of Unna, Saevuna had moved back to 
Coldback in the Marsh. 

“ Nay, how can this be ?” said Gudruda, astonished, for she 
knew well that Saevuna was now both blind and bedridden. 

“ She has been borne here in a chair,” said the woman who 
told her, “ and that is a strange sight to see.” 

At first Gudruda was minded to say her nay ; but her heart 
softened, and she bade them bring Saevuna in. Presently 
she came, being set in a chair upon the shoulders of four 
men. She was very old and white to see, and stared about 
her with sightless eyes. But she was still tall and straight, 
and her face was stern to look on. To Gudruda it seemed 
like that of Eric when he was angered. 

“ Am I nigh to Gudruda the Fair, Asmund’.s daughter ?” 
asked the aged woman. “ Methinks I hear her breathe.” 

“ I am here, mother,” said Gudruda. “ What is thy will 
with me ?” 

“ Set down, carles, and begone !” quoth Saevuna ; “ that 
which I have to say I would say alone. When I summon 
you, come.” 

The carles set down the chair upon the floor and went. 

“Gudruda,” said the aged dame, “I am risen from my 
death-bed, and I have caused myself to be borne on my last 
journey here across the meads, that I may speak with thee and 
>varn thee. I hear that thou hast put away my son, Erie 


212 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


Brighteyes, to whom thou art sworn in marriage, and art 
about to give thyself to Ospakar Blacktooth. I hear also that 
thou hast done this deed because a certain man, Hall of Lith- 
dale — whom from his youth up I have known for a liar and a 
knave, and whom thou thyself didst mistrust in years gone by 
— has come hither to Iceland from Orkneys bearing a tale of 
Eric’s dealings with thy half-sister Swanhild. This I hear, 
further : That Swanhild, Atli’s widow, hath come out to Ice- 
land and laid a suit against Eric for the slaying of Atli the 
earl, her husband, and that Eric has been outlawed and his 
lands at Coldback are forfeit. Tell me now, Gudruda, As- 
mund’s daughter, if these tales be true ?” 

“ The tales are true, mother,” said Gudruda. 

“ Then hearken to me, girl. Eric sprang from my womb, 
who of all living men is the best and first, as he is the bravest 
and most strong. I have reared this Eric from a babe, and I 
know his heart well. Now I tell thee this, that, whatever 
Eric has done or left undone, naught of dishonor is on his 
hands. Mayhap Swanhild hath deceived him — thou art a 
woman, and thou knowest well the arts which women have, 
and the strength that nature gives them. Well thou knowest, 
also, of what breed this Swanhild came ; and perchance thou 
canst remember how she dealt with thee, and with what mind 
she looked on Eric. Perchance thou canst remember how 
she plotted against thee and Eric — ay, how she thrust thee 
from Goldfoss brink. Say, then, wilt thou take her word? 
Wilt thou take the word of this witch-daughter of a witch? 
Wilt thou not think on Groa, her mother, and Groa’s dealings 
with thy father, and with Unna, my kinswoman? As the 
mother is, so shall the daughter be. Wilt thou cast Eric 
aside, and that unheard?” 

“ There is no more room for doubt, mother,” said Gudruda. 
“ I have proof of this, that Eric has forsaken me.” 

“So thou thinkest, child; but I tell thee this: thou art 
wrong ! Eric loves thee now as he loved thee and will love 
thee always,” 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


213 


“ Would that I could believe it !” said Gudruda. “ If I 
could believe that Eric still loved me — ay, even though he 
had been faithless to me — I would die ere I wed Ospakar !” 

“ Thou art foolish, Gudruda, and thou shalt rue thy folly 
bitterly. I am old, and death draws near to me. Far from 
me now are hates and loves and fears ; but I know this : that 
woman is mad who, loving a man, weds where she loves not. 
Shame shall be her portion, and bitterness her bread. Un- 
happy shall she go, and when she comes to die, but as a bar- 
ren wilderness — but as the winter snow shall be the record of 
her days.” 

Now Gudruda wept aloud. “What is done is done,” she 
cried ; “ the bridegroom sits within the hall — the bride awaits 
him in the bower. What is done is done — I may hope no 
more to be saved from Ospakar.” 

“ What is done is done, yet it can be brought to nothing ; 
but soon that shall be done which may never be undone ! 
Gudruda, fare thee well ! Never shall I listen to thy voice 
again. I hold thee shameless, thou unfaithful woman, who 
in thy foolish jealousy art ready to sell thyself to the arms 
of one thou hatest ! Ho, carles ! come hither. Bear me 
hence !” 

Now the men came in and took up Saevuna’s chair. Gu- 
druda watched them bear the aged woman forth. Then sud- 
denly she sprang from her seat and ran after her into the hall, 
weeping bitterly. 

Now as Saevuna, Eric’s mother, was carried out she was 
met by Ospakar and Bjorn. 

“ Stay,” said Bjorn. “ What does yon carline here ? — and 
why weeps Gudruda, my sister ?” 

The men halted. “ Who calls me ‘ carline ?’ ” said Saevuna. 
“ Is the voice I hear the voice of Bjorn, Asmund’s son ?” 

“ It is my voice, truly,” said Bjorn, “ and I would know 
this — and this would Ospakar, who stands at my side, know 
also — why thou comest here, carline ? and why Gudruda 
weeps ?” ' 


214 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


“Gudruda weeps because she has good cause to weep, 
Bjorn. She weeps because she has betrayed her love, Eric 
Brighteyes, my sou, and is about to be sold in marriage — to 
be sold to thee, Ospakar Blacktooth, like a heifer at a 
fairing.” 

Then Bjorn grew niad aud cursed her, nor did Ospakar 
spare to add to his ill words. But the old dame sat in her 
chair, listening silently till all their curses were spent. 

“ Ye are evil, the twain of you,” she said, “ and ye have 
told evil of Eric, my son ; and ye have taken his bride for 
lust and greed, playing on the jealous folly of a maid like 
harpers on a harp. Now I tell you this, Bjorn and Ospakar ! 
My blind eyes are opened and I see — I see this hall of Mid- 
dalhof, and lo ! it is but a gore of blood ! Blood flows upon 
the board — blood streams along the floor, and ye — ye twain ! 
— lie dead thereon, and about your shapes are shrouds, and 
on your feet are Hell-shoen ! Eric comes, and Whiteflre is 
aloft, and no more shall ye stand before him whom ye have 
slandered than stands the birch before the lightning stroke ! 
Eric comes ! I see his blazing eyes — I see his golden helm 
flash in the doorplace ! Red was that marriage feast whereat 
sat IJnna, my kinswoman, and Asmund, thy father ; redder 
shall be the feast where sit Gudruda, thy sister, and Ospakar ! 
The wolf howls at thy door, Bjorn ! the grave-worm opens his ; 
mouth ! trolls run to and fro upon thy threshold, and the ^ 
ghosts of men speed Hellward ! Ill were the deeds of Groa ; . 
worse shall be the deeds of Groa’s daughter ! Red is thy hall 
with blood, Bjorn ; for Whiteflre is aloft and Eric comes ! — 
I tell thee Eric comes !” And with one great cry she fell 
back — dead. 

Now they stood amazed, and trembling in their fear. 

“ Saevuna hath spoken strange words,” said Bjorn. 

“ Shall we be frightened of a dead hag ?” quoth Ospakar,. 
drawing his breath again. “ Fellows, bear this carrion forth,, 
or we fling it to the dogs.” 

Then the men tied the body of Saevuna, Thorgrimur’s wid'> 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


215 


ow, Eric’s mother, fast in the chair and bore it thence. But 
when at length they came to Coldback, they found this, that 
Swanhild was there with all her following, and had driven 
Eric’s grieve and his folk to the fells. But one old carline, 
who had been nurse to Eric, was left there, and she sat wail- 
ing in an outhouse, being too weak to move. 

Then the men set down the corpse of Saevuna in the out- 
house, and, having told all their tales to the carline, they fled 
also. 

That night passed, and passed the morrow ; but on the 
next day at dawn Eric Brighteyes and Skallagrim Lambstail 
landed near W estrnan Isles. They had made a bad passage 
from Farey Isles, having been beaten about by contrary winds ; 
but at length they came safe and well to land. 

Now this was the day of the marriage feast of Gudruda the 
Fair and Ospakar ; but Eric knew nothing of these tidings. 

“ Where to now, lord ?” said Skallagrim. 

“ To Coldback first, to see my mother, if she yet lives, and 
to learn tidings of Gudruda. Then as it may chance.” 

Near to the beach was a yeoman’s house. Thither they 
went to hire horses ; but none ‘were in the house, for all had 
gone to Gudruda’s marriage feast. In the home meadow ran 
two good horses, and in the outhouses were saddles and bri- 
dles. They caught the horses, saddled them, and rode for 
Coldback. When they had ridden for something over an 
hour they came to the crest of a height whence they could 
see Coldback in the Marsh. 

Eric drew rein and looked, and his heart swelled within 
him at the sight of the place where he was born. And as he 
looked he saw a great train of people ride away from Cold- 
back towards Middalhof, and in the company a woman wear- 
ing a purple cloak. 

“ Now what may this mean ?” said Eric. 

“ Ride on and we shall learn,” answered Skallagrim. 

So they rode on, and as they rode Eric’s breast grew heavy 
with fear. Now they passed up'the wW through the home 


216 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


meadows of the house, but they could see no one ; and now 
they were at the door. Down sprang Eric and walked into 
the hall. But none were there to greet him, though a fire yet 
burned upon the hearth. Only an old gaunt hound wandered 
about the hall, and, seeing him, sprang towards him, growling. 
Eric knew him for his old wolf-hound, and called him by his 
name. The dog listened, then ran up and smelt his hands, 
and straightway howled with joy and leaped upon him. For 
a while he leaped thus, while Eric stared around him won- 
dering and sad at heart. Then the dog ran to the door and 
stopped, whining. Eric followed after him. The hound 
passed through the entrance and across the yard till he came 
to the door of an outhouse. Here the dog stopped and 
scratched at the door, still whining. Eric thrust it open. Lo ! 
there before him sat Saevuna, his mother, dead in a chair, and 
at her feet crouched the carline — she who had been Eric’s 
nurse. 

Now he grasped the door-posts to steady himself, and his 
shadow fell upon the white face of his mother and the old 
carline at her feet. 


Chapter XXIII. 


HOW ERIC WAS A GUEST AT THE WEDDING FEAST OF GUDRUDA 
THE FAIR. 

Eric looks, but says nothing. 

“ Who art thou ?” whines the carline, gazing up at him with 
tear-blinded eyes. But Eric’s face was in the shadow, and she 
only saw the glint of his golden hair and the flash of the 
golden helm. For Eric could not speak yet awhile. 

“ Art thou one of Swanhild’s folk, come to drive me hence 
with the rest ? Good sir, I cannot go to the fells, my limbs 
are too weak. Slay me, if thou wilt, but drive me not from 
this,” and she pointed to the corpse. “ Say now, wilt thou 
not help me to give it burial ? It is unmeet that she who in 
her time had husband, and goods, and son, should lie unburied 
like a dead cow on the fells. I have still a hundred in silver, 
if I might but come at it. It is hidden, sir, and I will pay 
thee if thou wilt help me to bury her. These old hands are 
too feeble to dig a grave, nor could I bear her there alone if 
it were dug. Thou wilt not help me ? — then may thine own 
mother’s bones lie uncovered, and be picked of gulls and 
ravens. Oh that Eric Brighteyes would come home again ! 
Oh that Eric were here ! There is work to do and never a man 
to do it.” 

Now Eric gave a great sob and cried, “ Nurse, nurse ! know- 
est thou not me ? lam Eric Brighteyes.” 

She uttered a great cry, and, clasping him by the knees, 
looked up into his face. 

“ Thanks be to Odin ! Thou art Eric — Eric come home 
again ! But thou hast come too late ! — alas, too late !” 


218 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


“ What, then, has happened ?” said Eric. 

“ What has happened ? All evil things. Thou art out- 
lawed, Eric, at the suit of Swanhild for the slaying of Atli the 
earl. Swanhild sits here in Coldback, for she hath seized thy 
lands. Saevuna, thy mother, died two days gone in the hall 
-of Middalhof, whither she went to speak with Gudruda.” 

“Gudruda! what of Gudruda?” cried Eric. 

This, Brighteyes : that to-day she weds Ospakar Black- 
tooth.” 

Eric covered his face with his hand. Presently he lifted it. 

*“ Thou art rich in evil tidings, nurse, though, it would seem, 
poor in all besides. Tell me at what hour is the wedding 
feast ?” 

“ An hour after noon, Eric ; but now Swanhild has ridden 
thither with her company.” 

“ Then room must be found at Middalhof for one more 
guest, said Eric, and laughed aloud. “ Go on — pour out thy 
evil news and spare me not ! — for nothing has any more 
power to harm me now ! Come hither, Skallagrim, and see 
and hearken.” 

Skallagrim came and looked on the face of dead Saevuna. 

“ I am outlawed at Swanhild’s suit, Lambstail. My life lies 
in thy hand, if so be thou wouldst take it ! Hew off my head, 
if thou wilt, and bear it to Gudruda the Fair — she will thank 
thee for the gift. Lay on, Lambstail ; lay on with that axe of 
thine.” 

“ Child’s talk !” said Skallagrim. 

“ Child’s talk, but man’s work ! Thou hast not heard the 
tale out. Swanhild hath seized my lands and sits at Coldback ! 
And what thinkest thou ? — ah ! what thinkest thou ? — but now 
she has ridden a-guesting to the wedding feast of Ospakar with 
Gudruda the Fair. Swanhild at Gudruda’s wedding ! — the fox 
in the wild swan’s nest ! But there will be another guest,” 
and again he laughed aloud. 

“ Two other guests,” said Skallagrim. 

More of thy tale, old nurse ! — more of thy tale !” quoth 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


219 


Eric. No belter didst thou ever tell me when, as a lad, I 
sat by thee in the ingle o’ winter nights — and the company is 
fitting to the tale !” and he pointed to dead Saevuna, his 
mother. 

Then the carline told on. She told how Hall of Lithdale 
had come out to Iceland, and of the story that he bore to 
Oudruda, and of the giving of the lock of hair. 

“ What did I say, lord?” broke in Skallagrim — “that in Hall 
Hion hadst let a weasel go who would live to nip thee ?” 

“ Him I will surely live to shorten by a head,” quoth Eric. 

“ Nay, lord, this one for me — Ospakar for thee. Hall for me !” 

“ As thou wilt. Baresark. Among so many there is room 
to pick and choose. Tell on ! nurse, tell on !” 

Then she told how Swanhild came out to Iceland, and, hav- 
ing won Ospakar Blacktooth and Gizur to her side, had laid a 
suit against Eric at the Thing, and there bore false witness 
against him, so that Brighteyes was declared outlaw', being ab- 
sent. She told, too, how Gudruda had betrothed herself to 
Ospakar, and how Swanhild had moved down to Coldback and 
seized the lands. Lastly she told of the rising of Saevuna 
from her death-bed, of her going to Middalhof, of the words 
she spoke to Bjorn and Ospakar, and of her death in the hall 
cof Middalhof. 

When all was told, Eric stooped and kissed the cold brow 
<of his mother. 

There is little time to bury thee now, my mother,” he said, 
** and perchance before six hours are sped there will be one to 
bury at thy side. Nevertheless, thou shalt sit in a better 
place than this.” 

Then he cut loose the cords that bound the body to the 
chair, and, lifting it in his mighty arms, bore it to the hall. 
There he set the corpse in the high seat of the hall. 

“We need not start yet aw'hile, Skallagrim,” said Eric, “ if 
indeed thou wouldst go a-guesting with me to Middalhof. 
Therefore let us eat and drink, for there are deeds to do this 


220 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


So they found meat and mead, and ate and dranh. Then 
Eric washed himself, combed out his golden locks, and looked 
well to his harness and to Whitelire’s edge. Skallagrim also 
ground his great axe upon the whetstone in the yard, singing 
as he ground. When all was ready, the horses were caught, 
and Eric spoke to the carline : 

“ Hearken, nurse. If it may be that thou canst find any of 
our folk — and perchance now that they see that Swanhild has 
ridden to Middalhof some one of them will come down to spy 
— thou shalt say this to them. Thou shalt say that if Eric 
Brighteyes yet lives he will be at the foot of Mosfell to-mor- 
row before midday ; and if, for the sake of old days and 
friendship, they are minded to befriend a friendless man, let 
them come thither with food, for by then food will be need- 
ed, and I will speak with them. And now farewell,” and he 
kissed her and went, leaving her weeping. 

As it chanced, before another hour was sped, Jon, Eric’s 
thrall, who had stayed at home in Iceland, seeing Coldback 
empty, crept down from the fells and looked in. The carline 
saw him and told him these tidings. Then he went thence to 
find the other men. Having found them, he told them Eric’s 
words, and a great gladness came upon them when they 
learned that Brighteyes still lived and was in Iceland. Then 
they gathered food and gear, and rode away to the foot of 
Mosfell that is now called Ericsfell. 

Ospakar sat in the hall at Middalhof, near to the high seat. 
He was fully armed, and a black helm with a raven’s crest was 
on his head. For, though he said naught of it, not a little did 
he fear that Saevuna spake sooth — that her words would come 
true, and, before this day was done, he and Eric would once 
more stand face to face. At his side sat Gudruda the Fair, 
robed in white, a worked headdress on her head, golden 
clasps on her breast, and golden rings about her arms. Never 
had she been more beautiful to see ; but her face was whiter 
than her robes. She looked with loathing on giant Black- 
tooth at her side, rough like a bear, and hideous as a troll. 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


221 


But he looked on her with longing, and laughed from side to 
side of his great mouth when he thought that at last he had 
got her for his own. 

“ Ah, if Eric would but come, faithless though he be ! if 
Eric would but come!” thought Gudruda; but no Eric came 
to save her. The guests gathered fast, and presently Swan- 
hild swept in with all her company, wrapped about in her pur- 
ple cloak. Up she came to the seat where Gudruda sat, and 
bent the knee before her, looking on her with lovely mocking 
face and hate in her dark eyes. 

Greeting, Gudruda, my sister 1” she said. “ When last 
we met I sat, Atli’s bride, where to-day thou sittest the bride 
of Ospakar. Then Eric Brighteyes held thy hand, and little 
thou didst think of wedding Ospakar. Now Eric is afar — so 
strangely do things come about — and Blacktooth, Brighteyes’ 
foe, holds that fair hand of thine.” 

. Gudruda looked on her and turned whiter yet in her pain, 
but she answered never a word. 

“ What 1 no word for me, sister ?” said Swanhild. “ And 
yet it is through me that thou comest to this happy hour. It 
is through me that thou art rid of Eric, and it is I who have 
given thee to the arms of mighty Ospakar. No word of 
thanks for so great a service ! Fie on thee, Gudruda, fie 1” 

Then Gudruda spoke : “ Strange tales are told of thee, 
Groa’s daughter — strange tales of thee and Eric ! I have 
done with Eric, but I have done with thee also. Thou hast 
thrust thyself here against my will, and, if I may, I would see 
thy face no more.” 

“ Wouldst see Eric’s face, Gudruda — say, wouldst see Eric’s 
face ? I tell thee it is fair.” 

But Gudruda answered nothing, and Swanhild fell back 
laughing. 

Now the feast began, and men waxed merry. But ever 
Gudruda’s heart grew heavier, for in it echoed those words 
that Saevuna had spoken. Her eyes were dim, and she 
seemed to see naught save the face of Eric only — the face of 


222 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


Eric as it had looked when he came back to her that day on 
the brink of Goldfoss Falls — came back to her from the dead. 
Oh ! what if he still lived, and yet were true at heart to her ? 
Swanhild mocked her ! What if this were a plot of Swan- 
hild’s ? Had she not plotted aforetime, and could a wolf cease 
from ravening or a witch from witch-work? Nay, she had 
seen Eric’s hair — the hair that he had sworn none save she 
should touch ! Perchance — ah ! why had she not thought of 
it? — perchance he had been drugged, and the hair shorn from 
him in his sleep? Too late to think! Of what use was 
thought? Beside her sat Ospakar; in one short hour she 
would be his. Ah ! that she could see him dead — the troll 
who had trafficked her to shame, the deadly foe she had sum- 
moned in her wrath and jealousy ! She had done ill, she had 
fallen into Swanhild’s snare, and now Swanhild came to mock 
her I 

The feast went on — cup followed cup. See, now they 
poured the bride-cup. Ere her heart beat two hundred times 
she would be the wife of Ospakar. 

Blacktooth took the cup — pledged her in it, and drank deep. 
Then he turned and strove to kiss her. But she shrank from 
him with horror in her eyes, and all men wondered. Still she 
must drink the bridal cup. She took it. Dimly she saw the 
upturned faces, dimly she heard the murmur of a hundred 
voices. 

What was that voice she caught above them all — there — 
without the hall ? 

Holding the cup in her hand, she bent forward, staring 
dowm the skali. Then she cried aloud, pointing to the door,, 
and the cup fell clattering from her hand and rolled along the 
ground. 

Men turned and looked. They saw this : There on the 
threshold stood a great man, glorious to look on, and from his 
winged helm of gold the rays of light flashed through the 
dusky hall. Great was the man, and beautiful to see. He had 
long yellow hair bound in about his girdle, and i?i his left 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


223 


hand he held a shield, in his right a spear, and at his thigh 
there hung a mighty sword. Nor was he alone, for by his 
side, a broad axe on his shoulder, and shield in hand, stood 
another man, clad in black-hued mail — a man well-nigh as 
broad and big, with hawk’s eyes, eagle beak, and wild black 
hair streaked with gray. 

For a moment there was silence. Then a voice spoke : 

“ Lo ! here be the Gods Baldur and Thor ! come from Val- 
halla to grace the marriage feast !” 

Then the man with golden hair cried aloud in a great voice 
that made the rafters ring : 

“ Here be Eric Brighteyes and Skallagrim Lambstail, his 
thrall, come from over-sea to grace the feast, indeed !” 

“ I could have looked for no worse guests,” said Bjorn be- 
neath his breath, and rose to bid men thrust them out. But 
before he could speak, lo ! gold-helmed Eric and black-helmed 
Skallagrim were stalking side by side up the length of that 
great hall. Side by side they stalked, with faces fierce and 
cold ; nor stayed they till they stood before the high seat. 
Eric looked up and round, and the light of his eyes was 
as the light of a sword. Men marvelled at his greatness 
and his wondrous beauty, and to Gudruda he seemed as a 
god. 

“ Here I see faces that are known to me,” said Eric. 
“ Greeting, comrades !” 

“ Greeting, Brighteyes !” shouted the Middalhof folk and 
the folk of Swanhild ; but the carles of Ospakar laid hand on 
sword : they, too, knew Eric. For still all men loved Eric, 
and the folk of his quarter were proud of the mighty deeds 
he had done over-sea. 

“ Greeting, Bjorn, Asmund’s son !” quoth Eric. “ Greeting, 
Ospakar Blacktooth ! Greeting, Swanhild the Fatherless, 
Atli’s witch -wife, Groa’s witch -bairn! Greeting, Hall of 
Lithdale, Hall the liar — Hall who cut the grapnel-chain ! And 
to thee, sweet Bride, to thee, Gudruda the Fair, greeting !” 

Now Bjorn spoke ; “ I will take no greeting frona a shsim^d 


224 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


and outlawed man. Get tliee gone, Eric Brigliteyes, and take 
thy wolf hound, lest thou bide here stiff and cold.” 

“ Squeak not so loud, rat, lest hound’s fang worry thee !” 
growled Skallagrim. 

But Eric laughed aloud and cried : 

“ Words must be said, and perchance men shall be dead, 
ere ever I leave this hall, Bjorn.” 


Chapter XXIV. 


HOW THE FEAST WENT. 




“ Hearken all men !” said Eric. 

“ Thrust him forth !” quoth Bjorn. 

“ Nay, slay him !” said Ospakar ; “ he is an outlawed man.” 

“ Words first, then deeds,” answered Skallagrim. “ Thou 
shalt have thy fill of both, Blacktooth, ere day be done.” 

“Let Eric say his say,” said Gudruda, lifting her head. 
“ He has been doomed unheard, and it is my will that he shall 
say his say.” 

What hast thou to do with Eric ?” snarled Ospakar. 

“ The bride-cup is not yet drunk, lord,” she made answer. 

“ To thee, then, I will speak, lady,” quoth Eric. “ How 
comes it that, being betrothed to me, thou dost sit there the 
bride of Ospakar !” 

“ Ask of Swanhild,” said Gudruda, in a low voice. “ Ask, 
also, of Hall of Lithdale yonder, who brought me Swanhild’s 
gift from Straumey.” 

“ r must ask much of Hall, and much must he answer,” 
said Eric. “ What, tale, then, did he bring thee from Strau- 
mey ?” 

“ He said this, Eric,” Gudruda answered : “ that thou wast 
Swanhild’s lover ; that for Swanhild’s sake thou hadst basely 
killed Atli the Good, and that thou wast about to wed Swan- 
hild’s self, and take the earl’s seat in Orkneys.” 

“ And for what cause was I made outlaw at the Althing ?” 

“ For this cause, Eric,” said Bjorn, “ that thou hadst dealt 
evilly with Swanhild, bringing her to shame against her will, 
and thereafter that thou hadst slain the earl, her husband.” 


15 


226 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


“ Which, then, of these tales is true ? for both may not be 
true,” said Brighteyes. “ Speak, Swanhild.” 

“ Well thou knowest that the last is true,” said Swanhild, 
boldly. 

“ How then comes it that thou didst charge Hall with that 
message to Gudruda? How then comes it that thou didst 
send to her that lock of hair which thou didst cozen me to 
give thee ?” 

“ I charged Hall with no message, and I sent no lock of 
hair,” she answered. 

“ Stand thou forward. Hall !” said Eric, “ and, liar and cow- 
ard though thou art, dare not to speak other than the truth ! 
Nay, look not on the door ; for if thou stirrest thitherward 
this spear shall find thee ere thou hast gone a pace.” 

Now Hall stood forward, trembling with fear, for ever he 
saw the cold eye of Skallagrim watching him close, and while 
Lambstail watched, his fingers toyed with the handle of his 
axe. 

“ It is true, lord, that Swanhild charged me with that mes- 
sage which I gave to the Lady Gudruda. Also, she bade me 
give the lock of hair.” 

“ And for this service thou didst take money I” 

“ Ay, lord, she gave me money for my faring.” 

“ And all the while thou knewest the tidings false ?” 

Hall made no answer. 

“Answer!” thundered Eric — “answer the truth, knave, or, 
by every god that passes the hundred gates, I will not spare 
thee twice 1” 

“ It is so, lord,” said Hall. 

“ Thou best, fox !’^ said Swanhild, white with wrath, and 
casting an evil look upon him. But men took no heed of 
Swanhild’s words, for all eyes were bent on Eric. 

“Is it now your pleasure, comrades, that I should show 
forth the truth ?” said Brighteyes. 

The most part of the folk shouted “Yea !” but the men of 
Ospakar stood silent. 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


227 


“ Speak on, Eric,” quoth Gudruda. 

“ This, then, is the truth. Svvanhild the Fatherless, Atli’s 
wife, hath ever sought my love, and ever hath she hated Gu- 
druda, whom I loved. From a child she has striven to work 
evil between us. Ay, and she did this, though till now it has 
been hidden : she strove to murder Gudruda ; it was on the 
day that Skallagrim and I overcame Ospakar and his band on 
Horse-llead Heights. She thrust her from the brink of Golden 
Falls while she sat looking on the waters, and as she hung 
thence I dragged her back. Is it not so, Gudruda?” 

“ It is so,” said Gudruda. 

Now men murmured, and looked on Swanhild. But she 
shrank back, plucking at her purple cloak. 

“ It was for this cause,” went on Eric, “ that Asmund, her 
father, gave her choice to wed Atli the earl and pass over- 
sea, or take her trial in the Doom-ring. She wedded Atli, and 
went away. Thereafter, by witchcraft, she brought my ship 
to wreck on Straumey’s Isle — ay, she walked the waters like 
a shape of light, and lured us on to ruin, so that all were 
drowned save I and Skallagrim alone. Is it not so, Skalla- 
grim ?” 

“ It is so, lord. I saw her with my eyes.” 

Again folk murmured. 

“Then we must sit in Atli’s hall,” said Eric, “and there 
we sat last winter. For a while Swanhild did no ill, till I 
feared her no more. But some three months gone I was left 
with her, and a man called Roll, Groa’s thrall, of whom ye 
know, came out from Iceland, bringing tidings of the death 
of Asmund the Priest, of Unna my cousin, and of Groa the 
Witch. To these ill tidings Swanhild bribed him to add some- 
what. She bribed him to add this : that thou, Gudruda, wast 
betrothed to Ospakar, and wouldst wed him on last Yule Day. 
Moreover, he gave me a certain message from thee, Gudruda, 
and, in token of its truth, the half of that coin which I broke 
with thee long years ago. Say, now, lady, didst thou send 
the coin ?” 


228 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


“ Nay, never !” cried Gudruda. “ I have for many years lost 
the half thou gavest me, though I feared to tell thee.” 

“ Perhaps one stands there who found it,” said Eric, point- 
ing with his spear at Swanhild. “ At the least, I was deceived 
by it. Now the tale is Short. Swanhild mourned with me, 
and in my bitterness I mourned full sore. Then it was she 
craved a boon of that lock of mine, Gudruda, and I, thinking 
thee faithless, gave it, holding all oaths broken. Then, too, 
when I would have left her, she drugged me with a witch- 
draught — ay, she drugged me — and I woke to find myself false 
to my oath, false to Atli, and false to thee, Gudruda. I cursed 
her and 1 left her, waiting for the earl, to tell him all. But 
she outwitted me. She told him that other tale of shame that 
ye have heard, and brought Koll to him as witness of the tale. 
Atli was deceived of her, and not until I had smitten him 
down, being made mad by the bitter words he spoke, calling 
me coward and niddering, did he know the truth. But before 
he died he knew it ; and he died holding my hand, and bid- 
ding those about him find Koll and slay him. Is it not so, 
ye who were Atli’s men?” 

“ It is so, Eric !” they cried ; “ we heard it with our own 
ears, and Koll we slew. But afterwards Swanhild brought us 
to believe that Earl Atli was distraught when he spoke thus, 
and that things were indeed as she had said.” 

Again men murmured, and a strange light shone in Gudru- 
da’s eyes. 

“ Now, Gudruda, thou hast heard all my tale,” said Eric. 
“ Say, dost thou believe me ?” 

“ I believe thee, Eric.” 

“ Say, then, wilt thou still wed thee to yon Ospakar ?” 

Gudruda looked on Blacktooth, then she looked on golden 
Eric, and opened her lips to speak. But, before a word could 
pass them, Ospakar rose in wrath, laying his hand upon his 
sword. 

“ Thinkest thou thus to lure away my dove, outlaw ? First 
I will see thee food for crows.” 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


229 


“Well spoken, Blacktooth,” laughed Eric. “I looked for 
such words from thee. Thrice have we striven together — 
once out yonder in the snow, once on Horse-Head Heights, 
and once by Westman Isles — and still we live to tell the tale. 
Come down, Ospakar ; come down from that soft seat of thine, 
and here and now letms put it to the proof who is the better 
man. When we met aforetime the stake was Whitefire set 
against my eye. Now the stake is our lives and fair Gudru- 
da’s hand. Talk no more, Ospakar, hut fall to it.” 

“ Gudruda shall never wed thee, while I live !” said Bjorn, 
“ Thou art a lawless loon, a brawler, and an outlaw. Get thee 
gone, with thy wolf-hound !” 

“ Squeak not so loud, rat — squeak not so loud, lest the 
hound’s fang worry thee !” said Skallagrim. 

“ Whether I wed Gudruda or whether I wed her not is a 
matter that shall be known in its season,” said Eric. “ For 
thy words I say this : that it is ill to hurl names at such as I, 
Bjorn, lest perchance I answer them with spear-thrusts. Thy 
answer, Ospakar ! What need to wait ? Thy answer !” 

Now Ospakar looked on Eric and grew afraid. He was a 
mighty man, but he knew well the weight of Eric’s arm. 

“ I will not fight with thee, carle,” he said, “ who hast 
naught to lose.” 

“ Then thou art coward and niddering !” said Eric. “ Os- 
pakar Niddering I name thee here before all men ! What I 
Thou couldst plot against me, thou couldst waylay me, twenty 
to one and, two ships to one, but face to face with me thou 
dost not dare to stand ? Comrades, look on your lord ! Look 
on Ospakar the Niddering !” 

Now the swarthy brow of Blacktooth grew red with rage, 
and his breath came in great gasps. “ Ho, men !” he cried, 
“ drive this knave away ! Strip his harness off him, and whip 
him away with rods.” 

“ Let but a man stir towards me, and this spear flies through 
thy heart, Niddering,” cried Eric. “ Gudruda, what thinkest 
thou of thy lord ?” 


230 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


“ I know this,” said Gudruda, “ that I will wed no man who 
is named ‘ Niddering’ in the face of folk and lifts no sword.” 

Gudruda spoke thus, because she was mad with fear and 
anger, and she was fain that Eric should stand face to face 
with Ospakar Blacktooth, for thereby alone she might per- 
chance be rid of Ospakar. 

“ Such words come not well from gentle lips,” said Bjorn. 

“ Is it to be borne, brother,” answered Gudruda, “ that the 
man would call me wife should be called Ospakar the Nidder- 
ing ? When that shame is washed away, then only can I think 
on marriage. Niddering’s bride I will never be !” 

“ Thou hearest, Ospakar Niddering ?” said Eric. Then he 
gave the spear in his hand to Skallagrim, and, gripping White- 
fire’s hilt, burst the peace-strings, and tore it from the scabbard. 

Now the great sword shone forth like lightning leaping 
from a cloud, and as it shone men shouted, “ Ospakar ! Ospa- 
kar Niddering ! Come, win back Whitefire from Eric’s hand, 
or be forever shamed !” 

This Blacktooth might endure no more. He snatched sword 
and shield, and, like a bear from a cave, like a wolf from his 
lair, rushed roaring from his seat. On he came, and the ground 
shook beneath his mighty bulk. 

“ At last, Niddering !” cried Eric, and sprang to meet him. 

“ Back ! all men back !” shouted Skallagrim ; “ now we shall 
see blows.” 

Even as he spoke the great swords flashed aloft and clanged 
upon the iron shields. So heavy were the blows that fire 
leaped out from them. Back reeled Ospakar beneath the 
shock, and Eric was beaten to his knee. Now he was up, 
but, as he rushed, Ospakar smote again, and swept away half 
Brighteyes’ pointed shield, so that it fell upon the ground. 
Eric smote also, but Ospakar dropped his knee to earth, and 
the sword hissed over him. Blacktooth cut at Eric’s knees ; 
high in the air leaped Brighteyes, and took no harm. 

Now some cried “ Eric ! Eric !” and some cried “ Ospakar ! 
Ospakar !” for no one knew how the fight would go. 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


231 


Gudruda sat watching in the high seat, and as blows fell 
her color came and went. 

Swanhild drew nigh, watching also, and she was fain in her 
fierce heart to see Eric brought to shame and death, for, should 
he win, then Gudruda would be rid of Ospakar. Now, by her 
side stood Gizur, Ospakar’s son, and near to her was Bjorn. 
These twain held their breath, for, should Eric conquer, all 
their plans were brought to nothing. 

Even as he sprang into the air, Eric smote down with all 
his strength. The blow fell on Ospakar’s shield. It shore 
through the shield, and struck on the shoulder beneath. But 
Blacktooth’s byrnie was good, nor did the sword cut it. Still, 
the stroke was so heavy that Ospakar staggered back four 
paces beneath it, then fell upon the ground. 

Now folk raised a shout of “ Eric ! Eric !” for it seemed 
that Ospakar was sped. Brighteyes, too, cried aloud, then 
rushed forward. Now, as he came, Swanhild whispered an 
eager word in the ear of Bjorn. Nigh to Bjorn’s foot lay 
that half of Eric’s shield that had been shorn away by the 
sword of Ospakar. Gudruda, watching, saw Bjorn push it 
with his shoe so that it slid before the feet of Brighteyes. 
His right foot caught on it, he stumbled heavily — stumbled 
again, then prone on his face he fell, and as he fell stretched 
out his sword-hand to save himself, so that AVhitefire flew 
from his grasp. The great blade struck its hilt against the 
ground, then circled in the air and fixed itself, point down- 
ward, in the clay of the flooring. The hand of Ospakar, ris- 
ing from the ground, smote against the hilt of Whitefire. He 
saw it ; with a shout he cast his own sword away and clasped 
it. Away circled the sword of Ospakar ; and of that cast this 
strange thing is told, false or true. Far in the corner of the 
hall lurked Thorunna, she who had betrayed Skallagrim when 
he was named Ounund. She had come in the company of 
Ospakar with a heavy heart to Middalhof ; but when she saw 
Skallagrim, her husband — he whom she had betrayed, he who 
had turned Baresark because of her evil doings — shame smote 


232 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


her, and she crept away and hid herself behind the hangings 
of the hall. The great sword sped along ; point first, it rushed 
as a spear through the air. It fell on the hangings, piercing 
them, piercing the heart of Thorunna, who cowered behind 
them, so that with one cry she sank dead to earth, slain of her 
lover’s hand. 

Now, when men saw that Ospakar once more held White- 
fire in his hand — Whitefire that Brighteyes had won from him 
— they called aloud that it was an omen. Back to Blacktooth 
had the sword of Blacktooth come, and now Eric would surely 
be slain of it ! Eric sprang from the ground. He heard the 
shouts and saw Whitefire blazing in foeman’s hand. 

“ Now thou art weaponless, fly ! Eric, fly !” cried some. 

Gudruda’s cheeks grew white with fear, and for a moment 
Eric’s heart failed him. 

“ Fly not !” roared Skallagrim. “ Bjorn tripped thee. Fly 
not ! yet hast thou half a shield !” 

Ospakar rushed on, and Whitefire flickered over Eric’s gold- 
en helm. Down he came and shore one wing from the helm. 
Again he shone and again he fell, but Brighteyes caught the 
blow on his broken shield. 

Then, while folk waited to see him slain, Eric gave a great 
war-shout and sprang forward. 

“ Thou art mad !” shouted the folk. 

“Ye shall see ! Ye shall see !” screamed Skallagrim. 

Again Ospakar smote, and again Eric caught the blow ; and 
behold ! he smote back — smote with the point of the shorn 
shield straight at the face of Ospakar. 

“ Peck, eagle, peck !” cried Skallagrim. 

Once more Whitefire shone on high. Eric rushed in be- 
neath the stroke, and with all his mighty strength thrust the 
buckler-point at Blacktooth’s face. It struck — it struck fair 
and full ; and lo ! the helm of Ospakar burst asunder. He 
threw wide his giant arms, then fell. Back he fell, as falls a 
pine upon the mountain-edge. Back he fell, and still he lay. 

But Eric, stooping over him, took Whitefire from his hand. 


Chapter XXV. 


HOW THE FEAST ENDED. 

For a rnoment there was silence in the hall, for men had 
known no such fight as this. 

“ Wherefore, then, do ye gape ?” laughed Skallagrim. 

Dead is Ospakar ! — dead is Ospakar, slain by a swordless 
man ! Eric Brighteyes hath slain Ospakar Blacktooth 

Then there went up such a shout as never was heard in the 
hall of Middalhof. 

Now, when Gudruda knew that Ospakar was dead, she 
looked at Eric as he rested, leaning on his sword, and her 
heart was filled with awe and love. She sprang from her 
seat, and, coming to where Eric stood, she kissed him. 

“ Welcome to Iceland, Eric !” she said. “ Welcome, thou 
glory of the South !” 

Now Swanhild grew mad, for she saw that Eric was about 
to take Gudruda in his arms and kiss her before all men. 

“ Say, Bjorn,” she cried ; “ wilt suffer that this outlaw, hav- 
ing slain Ospakar, should lead Gudruda hence as wife ?” 

“ He shall never do so while I live,” cried Bjorn, well-nigh 
mad with rage. “ This is my command, sister, that thou see 
yon Eric no more.” 

“ Say, Bjorn,” answered Gudruda, did I dream, or did I 
indeed see thee thrust the broken buckler before Eric’s feet, 
so that he stumbled on it and fell ?” 

“ That thou sawest, lady,” said Skallagrim ; “ for myself I 
saw it also.” 

Now Bjorn grew white with rage. He made no answer to 
Gudruda, but called aloud to his men to slay Eric and Skalla- 


234 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


grim. Gizur called also to the folk of Ospakar, and Swanhild 
to those who came with her. 

Thereat Gudruda fled back to her seat. 

Then Eric cried aloud also : “ Ye men who love me cleave 
to me. Suffer it not that Eric be cut down of Northerners. 
Hear me, Atli’s folk ; hear me, carles of Coldhack and of 
Middalhof!” 

And so greatly did many love Eric that half of the folk of 
Bjorn, and almost all of the men of Swanhild who had been 
Atli’s men and Eric’s comrades, drew swords, shouting “ Eric ! 
Eric !” But the carles of Ospakar came on to make an end 
of him. 

Bjorn saw, and, drawing sword, smote at Brighteyes, taking 
him unawares. But Skallagrim caught the blow upon liis 
axe, and ere ever Bjorn might smite again, Whitefire was aloft, 
and down fell Bjorn, dead ! 

This was the end of Bjorn, Asmund’s son. 

“ Thou hast squeaked thy last, rat. What did I tell thee ?” 
laughed Skallagrim. “ Back to back, lord, for here come foes.” 

“ There goes one,” 'said Eric, pointing to the door. 

Now Hall of Lithdale slunk through the doorway — Hall 
the liar, who cut the grapnel-chain — for he desired much to 
see the last of Skallagrim. Now the Baresark held the spear 
of Eric in his hand. He whirled it aloft, and through the air 
it hissed. The aim was good, for, as he crept away, the spear 
struck Hall ’twixt neck and shoulder, pinning him to the 
door-post, and there the liar died. 

“ Now is the weasel nailed to the beam,” cried Skallagrim. 
“ Hall of Lithdale, what did I promise thee ?” 

“ Guard thy head and my back,” quoth Eric ; “ blows fall !” 

Now men smote at Eric and Skallagrim, nor did the twain 
spare to smite in turn. And ever as foes fell before him, 
Eric stepped one pace forward towards the door, and Skalla- 
grim, who, back to back with him, held off those who pressed 
behind, took one step rearward. Thus, two foes for every 
step, they won their way down the long hall. Fierce raged 


ERIC BRIGHTEYE8. 


^ 235 


the fray around them, for, mad with hate and drink, and the 
lust of fight, Swanhild’s folk — Eric’s friends — remembering 
the words of Atli, fell on Ospakar’s ; and the people of Bjorn 
fell each on each, brother on brother, and father on son — 
nor might the fray be stayed. The boards were overthrown, 
dead men lay among the meats and mead, and the blood of 
lord and thrall ran adown the floor. Everywhere through the 
dusky hall glittered the sheen of flashing swords and rose the 
clang of war. Darts clove the air like tongues of flame, and 
the clamor of battle beat against the roof. 

Men sought no mercy, blinded of the Norns who brought 
these things to pass, and they gave none, but slew and slew 
till few were left to slay. 

And ever Giidruda sat in her bride-seat, and, with eyes wide- 
fixed in horror, watched the waxing of the war. Nigh to her 
stood Swanhild, marking all things with fierce set face, and 
calling down curses on her folk, who one and all cried “ Eric ! 
Eric 1” and swept the thralls of Ospakar as corn is swept of 
the sickle. 

And there, nigh to the door, pale of face and beautiful to 
see, golden Eric clove his way, and with him went black Skal- 
lagrim. Terrible was the flare of Whitefire as he flickered 
aloft : so flickers the levin in the cloud, so flickers snake’s 
tongue before snake’s fang fall. Terrible was the flare of 
Whitefire; but more terrible was the light of Eric’s eye^, for 
in his head they seemed to flame, and wherever that fire fell 
it lighted men the way to death. Whitefire sang and flick- 
ered, and crashed the axe of Skallagrim, and still through the 
press of war they won their way. Now Gizur stands before 
them, spear aloft, and Whitefire leaps up to meet him. Lo ! 
he turns and flies. The coward son of Ospakar does not seek 
the fate of Ospakar ! 

The door is won. They stand without but little harmed, 
while •women wail aloud. 

“ 5?o horse !” cried Skallagrim ; “ to horse, ere our luck 
fail us !” 


236 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


“ There is little luck herein,” gasped Eric ; “ for I have 
slain many men, and among them is the brother of her whom 
I would make my bride.” 

“ Better one such fight than many brides,” said Skallagrim, 
shaking his red axe. “ Great glory have we won this day, 
Brighteyes, and slain is Ospakar — slain of a swordless man.” 

Now they ran to their horses, none hindering them, and, 
mounting, rode towards Mosfell. 

All that evening and all the night they rode, and at morn- 
ing they came across the black sands to Mosfell slopes that 
are by the Hecla. Here they rested, and, taking off their 
armor, washed themselves in the stream ; for they were very 
weary and foul with blood and wounds. When they had 
made an end of washing and done on their harness again, 
Skallagrim, peering across the plain with his hawk’s eyes, 
saw men riding fast towards them. 

Foes are soon afoot, lord,” he said. “ Methought we had 
stayed their hunger for a while.” 

“ Would that I might stay mine,” quoth Eric. “ I am 
weary and little meet for fight.” 

“I have still strength for one or two,” said Skallagrim, 
“ and then good-night ! But these are no foes. They are of 
the Coldback folk. The carline has kept her word.” 

Then Eric was glad, and presently six men, headed by Jon, 
his thrall, that same who had watched on Mosfell when he 
went up to slay the Baresark, rode to them and greeted them. 
“Gangrel women,” said Jon, “whom they met at Ran River, 
had told them of the death of Ospakar, and of the mighty 
slaying at Middalhof, and they would know if the tidings 
were true.” 

“True it is, Jon,” said Eric; “but first give us food, if ye 
have it, for we are hungered and spent. When we have eaten 
we will speak.” 

So they led up a pack-horse and from it took stockfish and 
smoked meat, of which Eric and Skallagrim ate heartily, till 
their strength came back to them. 


ERIC BRIGHTEYE8. 


237 


Then Eric spoke. “ Comrades,” he said, “ I am an out- 
lawed man, and, though I have not sought it, much blood is 
on my head. Atli is dead at my hand ; Ospakar is dead at 
my hand ; Bjorn the Priest, Asmund’s son, is dead at my 
hand, and with them many another man. Nor may the mat- 
ter stay here ; for Gizur, Blacktooth’s son, yet lives, and Bjorn 
has kin in the South, and Swanhild will buy friends with gold, 
and all of these will set on me to slay me, so that at the last 
I die by the sword.” 

“ No need for that,” said Skallagrim. “ Our vengeance is 
wrought, and now, as aforetime, the sea is open, and methinks 
that in London a welcome awaits us.” 

“ Now is Gudruda widowed before she is fully wed,” said 
Eric ; “ therefore here in Iceland do I bide an outlawed man. 
I go hence no more, though it be death to stay ; unless, indeed, 
Gudruda the Fair goes with me.” 

“ It will be death, then,” said Skallagrim, “ and the swords 
are forged that we shall feel. The odds are too heavy, lord.” 

“ Mayhap,” answered Eric. “ No man may flee his fate, 
and I shall not altogether grieve when mine flnds me. Heark- 
en, comrades : I go up Mosfell height, and there I bide till 
those be found who- can drag me from my hole. This, then, 
is my counsel to you : that you leave me to my doom, for I 
am an unlucky man.” 

“ That will not I,” said Skallagrim. 

“ Nor we,” said Eric’s folk ; “ Swanhild hath Coldback, 
and we are driven to the fells. To the fells, then, we will go 
with thee, Eric Brighteyes, and become cave dwellers and 
outlaws for thy sake. Fear not, thou shalt still find many 
friends.” 

“ Little did I look for such a thing at your hands,” said 
Eric ; “ but stormy waters show how the boat is built. May 
no ill come of your good-fellowship ! And now let us to our 
nest.” 

Then they caught the horses, and rode them up the steep 
side of Mosfell, till at length they came to that secret dell 


238 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


which Skallagrim had once shown to Eric. Here they turned 
the horses loose to feed, and, going forward on foot, reached 
the dark and narrow pass which Brighteyes had trod when 
he sought for Baresark. Skallagrim led the way along it, 
then came Eric and the rest. One by one they stepped on 
to the giddy point of rock, and, catching at the birch bush, 
entered the hole. So they gained the platform and the great 
cave beyond ; and they found this : that no man had set foot 
there since the day that Eric had striven with Skallagrim. 
For there on the rock, rotten with the weather, lay that haft 
of wood which Brighteyes had hewn from the axe of Skalla- 
grim, and there in the cave were many things besides as the 
Baresark had left them. So they took up their dwelling in 
the cave — Eric, Skallagrim, and the six Ooldback men, and 
there they dwelt many months. But Eric sent out men, one at 
a time, and got together much food and store of sheep-skins, 
and other things needful. For he knew this well : that Gizur 
and Swanhild would erelong come up against them, and, if 
they might not take them by force, would set themselves to 
watch the mountain-path and starve them out. 

When Eric and Skallagrim rode away from Middalhof the 
fight yet raged fiercely in the hall, and nothing might stay it 
save death alone. The minds of men were mad, and they 
smote one against the other, and slew each other, till at length 
of all that marriage company Gizur, Swanhild, and Gudruda 
alone were left unharmed. For the serving thralls and women 
folk had fled the hall. 

Then Gudruda spoke as one in a dream. 

“ Saevuna’s rede was true,” she said. “ Red was the mar- 
riage feast of Asmund, my father ; redder has been the mar- 
riage feast of Ospakar ! She saw the hall of Middalhof one 
gore of blood, and lo ! a gore of blood it is. Look upon thy 
work, Swanhild,” and she pointed to the piled-up dead — 
“ look upon thy work, witch-sister, and grow fearful ; for all 
this death is on thy head !” 

Swanhild laughed aloud. “ I hold it a merry sight,” she 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


239 


cried. “ Red was the marriage feast of Asmund our father, 
redder hath been thy marriage feast, Gudruda. Would that 
thy blood and the blood of Eric ran with the blood of Bjorn 
and Ospakar ! That tale must yet be told, Gudruda. There 
shall be binding on of Hell-shoes at Middalhof, but I bind 
them not. My task is still to come : for I will live to fasten 
the Hell-shoes on the feet of Eric, and on thy feet, Gudruda ! 
At least, have I brought about this much, that scarce canst 
thou wed Eric the outlaw ; for with his own hand he slew 
Bjorn thy brother, and because of this I count yon sum of 
death as naught. Thou canst not mate with Brighteyes, lest 
the wide wounds of Bjorn, thy brother, should take tongues 
and cry thy shame from sea to sea !” 

Gudruda made no answer, but sat as one carved in stone. 
Then Swanhild spoke again : 

“ Let us away, Gizur — away to the North ; there to gather 
strength to make an end of Eric. Say, wilt thou help us, 
Gudruda? Thine is the blood feud for the death of Bjorn.” 

“Ye are enough to bring about the fall of one unfriended 
man,” she said. “ Go and leave me with my sorrow and the 
dead. Nay ! ere thou goest, hearken, Swanhild : there is that 
in my heart which tells me I shall never look again upon that 
face of thine, save once only, and that in my moment of 
death, which now draws on. From evil to evil hast thou ever 
gone, Swanhild, and from evil to evil wilt thou go. It well 
may hap that thy wickedness may win. It well may hap that 
thou wilt crown thy crimes with my slaying and the slaying 
of the man who loves me. But I tell thee this, traitress, 
murderess, as thou art, that here the tale ends not. Not by 
death, Swanhild, shalt thou ’scape the deeds of life ! There 
they shall rise up against thee, and there every shame that 
thou hast worked, every sin that thou hast sinned, and every 
soul that thou hast brought to Ilela’s halls, shall come to 
haunt thee, shall come to drive thee on from age to age ! 
There shall I sit at peace with Eric, and there shalt thou lie 
in torment, tasting the bread of wickedness. That witchcraft 


240 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


which thou lovest shall mesh thee. Shadows shall mock thee : 
from the bowl of empty longing thou shalt drink -and drink, 
and ne’er be satisfied. Yea! lusts shall mock thee and tor- 
ment thee. Thou shalt ride the wind, thou shalt sail the sea, 
but never shalt thou win a harbor, and never shalt thou set 
foot upon a shore of peace. Hell shall rage eternally within 
thy bitter heart, and ever shalt thou think on that which 
might have been but cannot be. Go on, Swanhild 1 dye those 
white hands in blood I wade through the river of shame I 
Seek thy desire, and finding, lose 1 Work thy evil, and win- 
ning, fail 1 I yet shall triumph, I yet shall trample thee ; and, 
in a place to come, with Eric at my side, I shall make a mock 
of Swanhild the murderess 1 Swanhild the liar, and the wan- 
ton, and the witch 1 Now get thee gone !” 

Swanhild heard. She looked up at Gudruda’s face, and lo 1 
it was alight as with a fire. She strove to answer, but no 
words came. Then she turned and went, and with her went 
Gizur. 

Then women and thralls came in and drew out those who 
still breathed among the dead, taking them to the temple. 
They bore out the body of Ospakar also, but the rest they 
left. 

All night long Gudruda sat in the bride’s seat. There she 
sat in the silver summer midnight, looking on the dead who 
were strewn about the great hall. All night she sat alane in 
the bride’s seat thinking, ever thinking, while strange visions 
passed before her eyes and strange winds beat upon her brow. 

How, then, should it end ? There her brother Bjorn lay 
acold. Bjorn, the justly slain of Brighteyes; yet how might 
^ she wed the man who slew her brother ? Him she might not 
wed 1 From Ospakar she was divorced by death, from Eric 
she was divorced by the blood of Bjorn, her brother ! Oh ! 
how might she unravel this tangled skein ? how might she 
float to weal upon this sea of death ? All things went amiss ! 
the doom was on her ! She had lived to an ill purpose, her 
love had wrought ill ! Of what end to have been born, of 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


241 


what end to he fair among women and to have desired that 
which might not be ? And she had brought these things to 
pass : she had loosed the rock that crushed her ! Why had 
she hearkened to that false tale ? 

On high Gudruda sat on the bride-seat, asking wisdom of 
the piled-up dead, while the cold blue shadows of the night- 
less night gathered over her and them — gathered, and waned, 
and grew at last to the glare of day. 

16 


Chapter XXVL 

HOW ERIC VENTURED FORTH TO MIDDALHOF AND WHAT HE 
FOUND. 

Gizur went north to Swinefell, and with him went Swan- 
hild. For now that Ospakar w'as dead at Eric’s hand, Gizur 
ruled in his place at Swinefell, and was the greatest lord of all 
the North. He loved Swanhild, and desired to make her his 
wife ; but she played with him, talking darkly of what might he. 
Swanhild was little minded to he the wife of any man, save of 
Eric only ; to all others she was cold as the winter earth. 
Still, she fooled Gizur as she had fooled Atli the Good, and 
he grew blind with love of her. For. ever the heauty of Swan- 
hild waxed as the moon waxes in the sky, and her wicked 
eyes shone as shine the stars when the moon has set. 

Now they, came to Swinefell, and there Gizur huried Ospa- 
kar Blacktooth, his father, with great state. He set him in a 
chamber of rock and timbers on a mountain-top, 'whence he 
might see all the lands that once were his, and built up a 
mighty mound of earth above him. To this day people tell 
that here on Yule night black Ospakar bursts forth, and gold- 
en Eric rides down the blast to meet him. Then come the 
clang of swords, and groans, and the sound of riven helms, till 
presently Brighteyes passes southward on the wind, bearing 
in his hand the half of a cloven shield. 

So Gizur bound the Hell-shoes on his father, and swore that 
he would neither rest nor stay till Eric Brighteyes was dead, 
and dead was Skallagrim Lambstail. Then he gathered a 
great force of men and rode south to Coldback, to the slaying 
of Eric, and with him went Swanhild. 

Gudruda sat alone in the haunted hall of Middalhof and 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


243 


brooded on her love and on her fate. Eric, too, sat in Mos- 
fell cave and brooded on his evil chance. His heart was sick 
with sorrow, and there was little that he might do save think 
upon the past. He would not go forth to foray, after the 
fashion of outlaws, and there was no need of this. For the 
talk of his mighty deeds spread through the land, so that folk 
spoke of little else. And the men of his quarter were so 
proud of these deeds of his that, though some of their kin 
had fallen at his hands in the great fight of Middalhof and 
some at the hands of Skallagrim, yet they spoke of him as 
men speak of a god. Moreover, they brought him offerings 
of food and clothing and alms, as many as his people might 
bear away, and laid them in a booth that is on the plain near 
to the foot of Mosfell, which thenceforth was named Erics- 
fell. Further, they bade his thralls tell him that, if he 
wished it, they would find a good ship of war to carry him 
away from Iceland — ay, and man it with loyal men and true. 

Eric thanked them through Jon, his thrall, but made an* 
swer that he was minded to die here in Iceland. 

Now, when Eric had sat two months and more in Mosfell 
cave, and autumn was come, he learned that Gizur and Swan- 
hild had moved down to Coldback, and with them a great 
company of men who were sworn to slay him. He asked if 
Gudruda the Fair had also gathered men for his slaying. 
They told him nay ; that Gudruda yet sat with her thralls and 
womenfolk at Middalhof, mourning for Bjorn, her brother. 
From these tidings Eric took some heart of hope ; at the least 
Gudruda laid no blood feud against him. For ever he waited, 
thinking that if indeed she yet loved him, Gudruda would 
send him word or token of her love. But no word came. 
For between them ran the blood of Bjorn, the justly slain. 
On the morrow Skallagrim spoke to Eric. 

“ This is my counsel, lord,” he said, “ that we ride forth 
by night and fall on the folk of Gizur at Coldback, and burn 
the stead over them, putting them to the sword. I am weary 
of sitting here like an eagle in a cage.” 


244 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


“ Such is no counsel of mine, Skallagrim,” answered Bright- 
eyes. “ I am weary of sitting here, indeed, but I am yet 
more weary of bringing men to their death. I will shed no 
more blood, unless to keep mine own head. When the folk 
of Gizur come to seek me on Mosfell they shall find me here ; 
but I go not to them.” 

“ Thy heart is out of thee, lord,” said Skallagrim ; “ thou 
wast not wont to speak thus.” 

“ Ay, Skallagrim,” said Eric, “ the heart is out of me. Yet 
I ride from Mosfell to-day.” 

“ Where to, lord ?” 

“ To Middalhof, to have speech with Gudruda the Fair.” 

Like enough, then, thou wilt be silent thereafter.” 

“It well may be,” said Eric. “Yet I will forth. I may 
endure this doubt no longer.” 

“ I shall come with thee,” said Skallagrim. 

“ As thou wilt,” answered Eric. 

So at midday Eric and Skallagrim rode away from Mosfell 
in a storm of rain. The rain was so heavy that those of 
Gizur’s folk who watched the mountain did not see them. 
All that day they rode and all the night, till at morning they 
came to Middalhof. Eric bade Skallagrim stay by the horses 
and let them feed, while he went on foot to see if by chance 
he might get speech with Gudruda. This the Baresark did, 
though he liked not the task, fearing lest Eric should be done 
to death and he not there to die with him. 

Now Eric drew to within two bow-shots of the house, then 
sat down in a dell by the river, from the edge of which he 
could see those who passed in and out. Presently his heart 
gave a great leap, for there came out from the woman’s door 
a lady tall and beautiful to see, and with golden hair that 
flowed about her breast. It was Gudruda, and he saw that in 
her hand she bore a napkin. Then he knew that, according 
to her custom on warm mornings, she came alone to bathe in 
the river^ as she had always done from a child. She was 
wont to bathe here in this dell ; for at the bottom of the dell 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


245 


was a spot where reeds and bushes grew thick, and the water 
lay in a basin of rock, and was clear and still as ice. For at 
this spot a hot spring ran into the river. 

Eric went down the dell, hid himself close in the bushes 
and waited, for he feared to speak with Gudruda in the open. 
A while passed ; presently the shado\/ of the lady crept over 
the edge of the dell, then she came herself, came in that 
beauty which since her day has not been known in Iceland. 
Her face was sad and sweet to see, her dark and lovely eyes 
were sad. On she came, till she stood within a spear’s length 
of where Eric lay, crouched in the bush, looking at her 
through the hedge of reeds. Here a flat rock overhung the 
water, and she sat herself on this rock, and, shaking the shoes 
from her, dipped her white feet in the water. Then sudden- 
ly she threw aside her cloak, baring her arms, and, gazing 
upon the shadow of her beauty in the mirror of the water, 
sighed and sighed again, while Eric looked on her with a 
bursting heart. 

Now she spoke aloud. “Of what use to be so fair?” she 
said. “ Oh, wherefore was I born so fair to bring sorrow on 
myself and him I love?” And she shook her golden hair 
about her arms of snow, and holding the napkin to her eyes, 
wept softly. But it seemed to Eric that between her sobs 
she called upon his name. 

Now Eric could no longer endure the sight of Gudruda 
weeping. While she wept, hiding her eyes, he rose from be- 
hind the screen of reeds and stood beside her in such fashion 
that his shadow fell upon her. She felt the sunlight pass, 
and looked up. Lo ! it was no cloud, but the shape of Eric, 
and the sun glittered on his golden helm and hair. 

“ Eric !” Gudruda cried ; “ Eric !” Then, remembering 
how she was attired, she waxed red as winter lights, and, 
snatching her cloak, threw it about her arms, and thrust her 
feet into her shoes. 

“ Out upon thee !” she said ; “ is it not enough, then, that 
thou shouldst break thy troth for Swanhild’s sake, that thou 


246 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


fihoiildst slay my brother and turn my hall to shambles ? 
Wouldst now steal upon me thus ?” 

“ Methought that thou didst weep and call upon my name, 
Gudruda,” he said, humbly. 

“ By what right art thou here to hearken to my words ?” 
she answered. “ Is it, then, strange that I should speak the 
name of him who slew my brother ? Is it strange that I 
should weep over that brother whom thou didst slay ? Get 
thee gone, Brighteyes, before I call my folk to kill thee !” 

“ Call on, Gudruda, I set little worth upon my life. I laid 
it in the hands of chance when I came from Mosfell to get 
speech with thee, and now I will pay it down if so it pleases 
thee. Fear not, thy thralls shall have an easy task ; for I 
shall scarcely care to hold my own. Say, shall Beall for thee 

“ Hush ! Speak not so loud ! Folk may hear thee, Eric, 
and then thou wilt be in evil case. I would say that then 
shall ill things be told of me, because I am found with him 
who slew my brother.” 

“I slew Ospakar also, Gudruda. Surely the death of him 
by whose side thou didst sit as wife is more to thee than the 
death of Bjorn ?” 

“ The bride-cup was not yet drunk, Eric ; therefore I have 
no blood feud for Ospakar.” 

“ Is it, then, thy will that I should go, lady 

“ Yea, go ! — go I Never let me see thy face again I” 

Brighteyes turned without a word. He took three paces, 
and she watched him as he went. 

“ Eric !” she called. “ Eric ! thou mayest not go yet ; for 
at this hour the thralls bring down the kine to milk, and they 
will see thee. Lie thou hid here. I — I will go. For though, 
indeed, thou dost deserve to die, I am not willing to bring 
thee to thy end ; because of old friendship I am not willing !” 

“If thou goest, I will go also,” said Eric. “Thralls or no 
thralls, I will go.” 

“ Thou art cruel to drive me to such a choice, and I am 
minded to give thee to thy fate.” 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


247 


“ As thou wilt,” said Eric ; but she made as though she 
did not hear his words. 

“ Now,” she said, “ if we must stay here, it is better that 
we hide where thou didst hide, lest some come upon thee.” 
And she passed through the screen of rushes and sat herself 
upon the flowers that bloomed beyond, and spoke again. 

“ Nay, sit not near me ; sit yonder. I would not touch 
thee, nor look upon thee, who wast Swanhild’s love, and didst 
slay Bjorn, my brother.” 

“ Say, Gudruda,” said Eric, “ did I not tell thee of the 
magic arts of Swanhild ? Did I not tell thee before all men 
yonder in the hall, and didst thou not say that thou didst be- 
lieve my words? Speak.” 

“ That is true,” said Gudruda. 

“ Wherefore, then, dost thou taunt me with being Swan- 
hild’s love, with being the love of her whom of all alive I hate 
the most : of her whose wicked guile has brought these evils 
on us?” 

But Gudruda made no answer. 

And for this matter of the death of Bjorn at my hands, 
bethink thee, Gudruda; was I to blame in it? Did not 
Bjorn thrust the cloven shield before my feet, and thereby 
give me into the hand of Ospakar ? Did he not afterwards 
smite at me from behind, and would he not have slain me if 
Skallagrim had not caught the blow ? Was I, then, to blame 
if I smote back and if the sword flew home ? Wilt thou let 
the needful deed rise up against our love ? Speak, Gudruda !” 

“ Talk no more of love to me, Eric,” she answered ; “ the 
blood of Bjorn has blotted out our love ; it cries to me for 
vengeance. How may I speak of love with him who slew my 
brother ? Hearken !” she went on, looking on him sidelong, 
as one who fain would look and yet not seem to see ; “ here 
thou must bide an hour, and, since thou wilt not sit in silence, 
speak no tender words to me, for it is not fitting ; but tell me 
of those deeds thou didst in the south lands over-sea, ere thou 
wentest to woo Swanhild and earnest hither to slay my broth- 


248 


ERIC BRIGHTEYE8. 


er. For till then thou wast mine — till then I loved thee, 
who now love thee not. Therefore I would hear ©f the deeds 
of that Eric whom once I loved, before he became as one 
dead to me.” 

“ Heavy words, lady,” said Eric ; “ words to make death 
easy.” 

“ Speak not so,” she said ; “ it is unmanly thus to work 
upon my fears. Tell me those tidings of which I ask.” 

So Eric told her all his deeds, though he showed small 
boastfulness about them. He told her how he had smitten 
the war dragons of Ospakar, how he had boarded the “ Rav- 
en ” and with Skallagrim slain those who sailed in her. He 
told her also of his deeds in Ireland, and of how he took the 
viking ships and came to London Town. 

And, as he told, Gudruda listened as one who hung upon 
her lover’s dying words. And there was but one light in the 
world for her, the light of Eric’s eyes ; and there was hut one 
music, the music of his voice. Now she looked upon him 
sidelong no longer, but with open eyes and parted lips she 
drank in his words, and ever, though she knew it not herself, 
she crept closer to his side. 

Then he told her how he had been greatly honored of the 
king of England, and of the battles he'had fought in at his 
side.. Lastly, he told her how the king would have given 
him a great lady of royal blood in marriage, and how Ed- 
mund had been angered because he would not bide in Eng- 
land. 

“ Tell me of this lady,” said Gudruda, quickly. “ Is she 
fair, and how is she named ?” 

“ She is fair, and her name is Elfrida,” said Eric. 

“ And didst thou have speech with her on this matter ?” 

“ Somewhat.” 

Now Gudruda drew herself away from Eric’s side. 

“ What was the purport of thy speech ?” she said, look- 
ing down. “ Speak truly, Eric.” 

“ It came to little,” he answered. “ I told her that there 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


249 


was one in Iceland to whom I was betrothed, and to Iceland 
I must go.” 

“ And what said this Elfrida, then ?” 

“ She said that I should get little luck at the hands of 
Gudruda the Fair. Moreover, she asked, should my be- 
trothed be faithless to me, or put me from her, if I should 
come again to England.” 

Now Gudruda looked him in the face and spoke. “ Say, 
Eric, is it in thy mind to sail for England in the spring, if 
thou canst escape thy foes so long ?” 

Now Eric took counsel with himself, and in his love and 
strait grew guileful as he had never been before. For he 
knew well that Gudruda had this weakness — she was a jeal- 
ous woman. 

“ Since thou dost put me from thee, that is in my mind, 
lady,” he answered. 

Gudruda heard. She thought on the great and beauteous 
Lady Elfrida, far away in England, and of Eric walking at 
her side, and sorrow took hold of her. She said no word, 
but fixed her dark eyes on Brighteyes’ face, and lo ! they 
filled with tears. 

Eric might not bear this sight, for his heart beat within 
him as though it would burst the byrnie over it. Suddenly 
he stretched out his mighty arms and swept her to his breast. 
Soft and sweet he kissed her, again and yet again, and she 
struggled not, though she wept a little. 

“ It is small blame to me,” she whispered, “ if thou dost 
hold me on thy breast and kiss me, for thou art more 
strong than I. Bjorn must know this if his dead eyes see 
aught. Yet for thee, Eric, it is the greatest shame of all thy 
shames.” 

“ Talk not, my sweet ; talk not,” said Eric, “ but kiss thou 
me ; for thou knowest well that thou lovest me yet as I love 
thee.” 

Now the end of it was that she yielded and kissed him 
whom she had not kissed for years. 


250 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


“ Loose me, Eric,” she said ; “ I would speak with thee,” 
and he loosed her, though unwillingly. 

“ Hearken,” she went on, hiding her fair face in her 
hands ; “ it is true that for life and death I love thee now as 
ever : how much thou mayest never know. Though Bjorn 
^e dead at thy hands, yet I love thee ; but how I may wed 
thee and not win the greatest shame, that I know not. Of 
one thing I am sure, that we may not bide here in Iceland. 
Now, if indeed though lovest me, listen to my rede. Get 
thee back to Mosfell, Eric, and sit there in safety this winter 
through, for they may not come at thee there on Mosfell. 
Then, if thou art willing, in the spring I will make ready a 
ship, for I have no ship now, and, moreover, it is too late to 
sail. Then, perchance, leaving all my lands and goods, I will 
take thy hand, and together we will fare to England, seek- 
ing such fortune as the Norns may give us. AVhat sayest 
thou?” 

“ I say it is a good rede, and would that the spring were 
come !” 

“ Ay, Eric, would that the spring were come ! Our lot has 
been hard, and I misdoubt me much if things will go well 
with us at the last. And now thou must hence, for presently 
the serving-women will come to seek me. Guard thyself, 
Eric, as thou lovest me ; guard thyself, and beware of Swan- 
hild !” Then once more they kissed, soft and long, and Eric 
went. 

But Gudruda sat yet awhile behind the screen of. reeds, 
and was very happy for a while. For it was as though the 
winter were past and summer shone upon her heart again. 


Chapter XXVII. 

HOW GUDRUDA WENT UP TO MOSFELL. 

Eric walked warily till he came to the dell where he had 
left Skallagrim and the horses. It was the same dell in which 
Groa had brewed the poison draught for Asmund the Priest, 
and Unna, Thorod’s daughter. 

“ What news, lord ?” said Skallagrim. “ Thou wast gone 
so long that I was nigh to seeking thee. Hast seen Gudruda ?” 

“ Ay,” said Eric, “ and this is the upshot of it, that in the 
spring we sail for England, and bid farewell to Iceland and 
our ill-luck-.” 

“ Would, then, that it were spring !” said Skallagrim, 
speaking Brighteyes’ very words. “ Why not sail now and 
make an end ?” 

“ Gudruda has no ship, and it is late to sail. Also I think 
that she would let a time go by because of the blood feud 
which she has against me for the death of Bjorn.” 

“ I would rather risk these things than stay the winter 
through in Iceland,” said Skallagrim. “ It is long from now to 
spring, and yon wolf’s den is cold lying in the dark months, 
as I know well.” 

“ There is light beyond the darkness,” said Eric, and they 
rode away. All things went well with them till late at night 
they came to the slopes of Mosfell. They were half asleep 
on their horses, being weary with much riding, and the 
horses also were weary. Suddenly Skallagrim, looking up, 
caught the faint gleam of light from swords hidden behind 
some stones. 

“ Awake, lord !” he cried ; “ here are foes ahead.” 


252 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


Gizur’s folk behind the stones heard his voice and came 
forth from their ambush. There were six of them, and they 
formed in line before the pair. They were watching the 
mountain, for tidings had reached them that Eric was abroad, 
and, seeing him, they had hidden hastily behind the stones. 

“ Now, what counsel shall we take ?” said Eric, drawing 
Whitefire. 

“ We have often stood aojainst more men than six, and we 
have left more men than six to mark where we had stood,” 
' answered Skalla^rim. “ It is my counsel that we ride at 
them.” 

“ So be it,” said Eric, and smote his weary horse with his 
heels. Now when the six saw Eric and Skallagrim come on 
them boldly they wavered, and the end of it was that they 
broke and fled to either side before a blow was struck. For 
it had come to this pass, so great was the terror of the names 
of Eric Brighteyes and Skallagrim Lambstail that no six men 
dare stand before ‘them in open fight. 

So the path being clear, they rode on up the slope. But 
when they had gone a little way Skallagrim turned his horse 
and mocked those who had lain in ambush, saying : 

“Ye fight well, ye carles of Gizur, Ospakar’s son. Ye are 
heroes, surely ! Say now, mighty men, will ye bide there if 
I come down alone against you' ?” 

At these words the carles grew mad with wrath, and flung 
their spears. Skallagrim caught one on his shield and it fell 
to the earth, but another passed over his head and smote 
Eric on the left shoulder near the neck, and that was a deep 
wound. Feeling the spear fast in him, Eric grasped it with 
his right hand, drew it forth, and, turning, hurled it so 
mightily that the man before it got his death from the blow, 
for his shield might not serve to stay it. Then the rest 
fled. 

Then Skallagrim bound up Eric’s wound as well as he 
might, and they went on to the cave. But when Eric’s folk 
above saw the fight they ran down and met him. Now the 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


253 


wound was bad and Eric bled much ; still, within ten days it 
healed up for the time. 

But a little while after Eric’s wound was skinned over, the 
snows set in on Mosfell, and the days grew short and the 
nights long. Once Gizur’s folk, to the number of fifty, came 
half-way up the mountain to take it ; but when they saw 
how strong the place was they feared and went back, and 
after that returned no more, though they ever watched the fell. 

It was very dark and lonesome there upon the fell. For a 
while Eric kept in good heart, but as the days went he grew 
troubled. For since he was wounded this had come upon 
him, that he feared the dark, and the death of Atli at his 
hand and Atli’s words weighed more and more upon his 
mind. They had no candles on the fell, yet, rather than bide 
in the dark of the cave, Eric would wrap sheepskins about him 
and sit by the edge»of the gulf down which the head of the 
Baresark had foretold his fall, and look out at the wide 
plains and fells and ice mountains, gleaming in the silver 
shine of the Northern lights or in the white beams of the moon. 

It chanced that Eric had bidden the men who clove to him 
to build a hut of stone upon the space of flat rock before the 
cave, and roof it with turves. He had done this that labor 
might keep them in heart, also that they might have a place 
to store such goods as they had gathered. Now there was 
one stone lying near that no two men of their number could 
move, except Skallagrim and one other. One day, while it 
was light, Eric watched these two rolling the stone along to 
where it must stand, and it was slow work. Presently they 
stayed to rest. Then Eric came, and, putting his hands be- 
neath the stone, lifted, and, while men wondered, he rolled 
the mass alone to where it should stand as the corner-stone of 
the hut. 

“ Ye are all children,” he said, merrily. 

“ Ay, when we set our strength against thine, lord,” an- 
swered Skallagrim ; “ but look : the blood runs from thy 
neck — the spear-wound has broken out afresh.” 


254 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


“ So it is surely,” said Eric. Then he washed the wound 
and bound it up, thinking little of the matter. 

But that night, according to his custom, Eric sat on the 
edge of the gulf and looked at the winter lights as they 
played upon Hecla’s snows. He was sad and heavy at heart, 
for he thought on Gudruda, and wondered much if they 
should live to wed. Remembering Atli’s words, he had little 
faith in his good luck. Now as Eric sat and thought, the 
bandage of his wound slipped, so that it bled, and the frost 
got hold of it and froze it, and froze his long hair to it also, 
in such fashion that when he went to the cave where all men 
slept, he could not loose his hair from the wound, but lay 
down with it as it was. On the morrow the hair was caked 
so fast about his neck that thus only might it be freed, by 
shearing it. But this Eric would in no wise suffer. None, 
he said, should shear his hair except Gudruda. Thus he 
had sworn, and when he broke the oath ill had come of it. 
He would break it no more, if it cost him his life. For sor- 
row and his ill-luck had taken so great a hold of Eric’s mind 
that he was scarcely himself. 

So it came to pass that he fell more and more sick, till at 
length he could not rise from his bed in the cave, but lay 
there all day and night staring at the little light which pierced 
the gloom. Still he would not suffer that any one should 
touch his hair. And when one stole upon him sleeping, 
thinking so to cut it before he awoke, and come at the wound, 
suddenly he awoke and dealt the man such a buffet that he 
went near to death from it. 

Then Skallagrim spoke. 

“ On this matter,” he said, “ it seems that Brighteyes is 
mad. He will not suffer that any touch his hair except 
Gudruda alone ; and yet, if his hair be not shorn, he must die, 
for the wound will fester under it. Nor may we shear it by 
strength, for then he will kill himself in struggling. It is 
come to this, then — either Gudruda must be brought hither 
or Eric will shortly die.” 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


255 


“ That may not be,” they answered. “ How can the lady 
Gudruda come here across the snows, even if she will 
come ?” 

“ Come she can, if she has the heart,” said Skallagrim, 
“ though I put little trust in women’s hearts. Natheless, I 
ride forth to Middalhof, and thou, Jon, shalt go with me. 
For the rest, I charge you watch your lord ; for if I come 
back and find aught amiss, that shall be the death of some ; 
and if I come not back, but perish, yet I will haunt you.” 

Now Jon liked this task little, yet for love of Eric and 
fear of Skallagrim he set forth with the Baresark. They 
had a hard journey through the snow-drifts and the dark, but 
on the third day came to Middalhof, knocked upon the door, 
and entered. 

Now it was supper-time, and folk, sitting at meat, saw a 
great black man, covered with snow and rime, stalk up the 
liall, and after him another smaller man, who groaned some- 
what with the cold, and they wondered at the sight. Gudru- 
da sat on the high seat, and the firelight beat upon her face. 

“ Who comes here ?” she said. 

“ One who would speak with thee, lady,” answered Skalla- 
grim. 

“ Here fs Skallagrim the Baresark,” said a man. “ He is 
an outlaw ; let us kill him !” 

“ Ay, it is Skallagrim,” he answered, “ and if there be kill- 
ing to be done, why, here’s that which shall do it,” and he 
drew forth his axe and smiled grimly. 

Then all held their peace, for they feared the axe of Skalla- 
grim. 

“ Lady,” he said, “ I come not for slaying or such child’s 
play. I come to speak a word in thine ear ; but first I ask 
a cup of mead and a morsel of food, for we have spent three 
days in the snows.” 

So they ate and drank. Then Gudruda bade the Baresark 
draw near and tell her his tale. 

“ Lady,” said he, “ Eric, my lord, lies dying on Mosfell.” 


256 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


Gudruda turned white as the snow. 

“ Dying ? — Eric lies dying ?” she said. “ Wherefore, then, 
art thou here ?” 

“ For this cause, lady, that methinks thou canst save him, 
if he be not already sped.” And he told her all the tale. 

“ This is an ill riding,” she said, “ and it does not become 
a maid to fare among outlaws in their caves. Yet I am come 
to this, that first I will die before I shrink from that which 
may save Brighteyes alive. When must we ride, Skalla- 
grim ?” 

“ This night,” said the Baresark. “ This night while folk 
sleep, for now night and day are almost the same. The snow 
is deep and we have no time to lose if we would find Bright- 
eyes living.” 

“ Then we will ride this night,” answered Gudruda. 

Thereafter, when people slept, Gudruda the Fair summoned 
her women, and bade them say to all who asked for her that 
she lay sick abed. But she called three trusty thralls, bid- 
ding them bring two pack-horses laden with hay, food, drugs, 
candles made of sheep fat, and other goods, and ride forth 
with her. Then, all being ready, they rode away secretly up 
Stonefell, Gudruda on her horse Blackmane, and the others 
on good geldings that had been hay-fed in the yard, and by 
daylight they passed up Horse-Head Heights. They slept 
two nights in the snow, and on the second night went nigh to 
perishing there, for much soft snow fell. But afterwards came 
frost and a bitter northerly wind, and they passed on. Gu- 
druda was a strong woman and great of heart and will, and so it 
came about that on the third day she reached Mosfell, weary, 
but little harmed, though the fingers of her left hand were 
frostbitten. They climbed the mountain, and when they came 
to the dell where the horses were kept, certain of Eric’s folk 
met them and their faces were sad. , 

“ How goes it now with Brighteyes ?” said Skallagrim, for 
Gudruda could scarce sp'eak for doubt and cold. ‘‘Is he 
dead, then ?” 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


257 


“ Nay,” they answered, “ but like to die, for he is beside 
himself and raves wildly.” 

“ Push on,” quoth Gudruda ; “ push on, lest it be too late.” 

So they climbed the mountain on foot, won the pass, and 
came to that giddy point of rock where he must tread who 
would reach the platform that is before the cave. Now since 
she had hung by her hands over Goldfoss Gulf, Gudruda had 
greatly feared to tread upon a height with nothing to hold 
to. Skallagrim went first, then called to her to follow. 
Thrice she looked, |^nd thrice she turned away, trembling, for 
the place was awful and the fall bottomless. Then she spoke 
aloud to herself : 

“ Eric did not fear to risk his life to save me when I hung 
over Golden Falls ; less, then, should I fear to risk mine to 
save him,” and she stepped boldly down upon the point. 
But when she stood there, over the giddy height, shivers 
ran along her frame, and her mind grew dark. She clutched 
at the rock, gave one low cry, and began to fall. Indeed, she 
would have fallen and been lost, had not Skallagrim, lying on 
his breast in the narrow hole, stretched out his arms, caught 
her by the cloak and kirtle and dragged her to him. Pres- 
ently her senses came back. 

‘‘ I am safe !” she gasped, “ but by a very little. Methinks 
that here in this place I must live and die, for I may never 
tread yonder rock again.” 

“ Thou shalt pass it safe enow, lady, with a rope about thee,” 
said Skallagrim, and led the way to the cave. 

Gudruda entered, forgetting all things in her love of Eric. 
A great fire of turf burned in the mouth of the cave to tem- 
per the bitter wind and frost, and by its light Gudruda saw 
her love through the smoke-reek. He lay upon a bed of 
skins at the far end of the cave, and his bright gray eyes were 
wild, white was his wan face, and now of a sudden it grew 
red with fever, and then was white again. He had thrown 
the sheepskin from his mighty chest, the bones of which 
stood out grimly. His long arms were thrust through the 
17 


258 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


masses of his golden hair, and on one side of his neck the 
hair clung to him, and it was but a black gore of blood. 

He raved loudly in his madness. “ Touch me not, carles, 
touch me not ; ye think me spent and weak, but, by Thor ! if 
ye touch my hair, I will loosen the knees of some. Gudruda 
alone shall shear my hair ; I have sworn, and I will keep the 
oath that I once broke. Give me snow ! snow ! my throat 
burns ! Heap snow on my head, I bid you. Ye will not ? 
Ye mock me, thinking me weak ? Where, then, is Whitefire 
— I have yet a deed to do ! Who comgs yonder ? Is it a 
woman’s shape, or is it but a smoke wraith? ’Tis Swanhild 
the Fatherless who walks the waters. Begone, Swanhild, 
thou witch ! thou hast worked evil enough upon me. Nay, 
it is not Swanhild, it is Elfrida; lady, here in England 
I may not stay. In Iceland I am at home. Yea, yea, 
things go crossly ; perchance in this garden we may speak 
again I” 

Now Gudruda could bear his words no longer, but ran to 
him and knelt beside him. 

“ Peace, Eric !” she whispered. Peace ! It is I, thy love. 
It is Gudruda who is come to thee.” 

He turned his head and looked upon her strangely. 

“ Nay, nay,” he said, “ it is not Gudruda the Fair. She 
will have little to do with outlaws, and this is too rough a 
place for her to come to. It is dark also, and ever Atli 
speaks in the darkness. If thou art Gudruda, give me a sign. 
Wherefore comest thou here, and where is Skallagrim ? Ah ! 
that was a good fight — 

“ ‘ Down amongst the ballast tumbling 
Ospakar’s shield-carles were rolled.’ 

But he should never have slain the steersman. The axe goes 
first and Skallagrim follows after. Ha, ha! Ay, Swanhild, 
we’ll mingle tears. Give me the cup. Why, what is this ? 
Thou art afire ; a glory glows about thee, and from thee 
floats a scent like the scent of the Iceland meads in May.” 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


259 


“ Eric ! Eric !” cried Gudruda. “ I am come to shear thy 
hair, as thou didst swear that I alone should do.” 

“ Now I know that thou art Gudruda,” said the crazed man. 
“ Cut, cut ; but -let not those knaves touch my locks, lest I 
should slay them.” 

Then Gudruda drew out her silver shears, and without 
more ado shore ofi Brighteyes’ golden locks. It was no easy 
task, for they were thick as a horse’s mane, and glued to the 
wound. Yet when she cut them, she loosened the hair from 
the flesh with water made hot upon the Are. The wound was 
i|^ evil case and blue, yet he never winced while she dragged the 
hair from it. Then she washed it clean, and put sweet oint- 
ment on it and covered it with napkins. 

This done, she gave him broth and he drank. Then, lay- 
ing her hand upon his head, she looked into his eyes and 
bade him sleep. And presently he slept — sleep he had 
scarcely done for many days — slept like a little child. 

Eric slept for a day and a night. But at that same hour of 
the .evening when he had fallen asleep, Gudruda, watching 
him by the light of a taper that was set upon a rock, saw him 
smile in his dreams. Presently he opened his eyes and stared 
at the Are which glowed in the mouth of the cave, and the 
great shadows that fell upon the rocks. 

“ Strange !” she keard him murmur, “ it is very strange ! 
but I dreamed I slept, and that Gudruda the Fair leaned over 
me as I slept. Where, then, is Skallagrim ? Perchance I am 
dead and yon is Hela’s Are,” and he strove to lift himself upon 
his arm, but fell back from faintness, for he was very weak. 
Then Gudruda took his hand, and, leaning over him, 
spoke : 

“ Hush, Eric !” she said ; “ that was no dream, for I am 
here. Thou hast been sick unto death, Eric; but now, if 
thou wilt rest, things shall go well with thee.” 

“ Thou art here ?” said Eric, turning his white face towards 
her. “ Do I still dream, or how earnest thou here to Mosfell, 
Gudruda ?” 


260 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


“ I came tlirougli the siio\ys, Eric, to cut thy hair, which 
clung to the festering wound, for in thy madness thou wouldst 
not that any should touch it save I alone.” 

“ Thou earnest through the snows — over the snows — ^to min- 
ister to me, Gudruda ? Thou must love me much, then,” and 
he was so weak that, as he spoke, the tears rolled down his 
cheeks. 

Then Gudruda kissed him, weeping also, and, laying her 
face by his, bade him be at peace, for she was there to watch 
him. 


Chapter XXVIIL 

HOW SWANHILD WON TIDINGS OF ERIC. 

Now Eric’s strength came back to him, and his heart 
opened in the light of Gudruda’s eyes like a flower in the 
sunshine. For all day long she sat at his side, holding his 
hand and talking with him, and they found much to say. 

But on the fifth day from the day of his awakening she 
spoke thus : 

“ Eric, now I must back to Middalhof. Thou art safe, and 
it is not meet that I stay here.” 

“ Not yet, Gudruda,” he said ; “ leave me not yet.” 

“Yea, love, I must leave thee. The moon is bright, the 
sky has cleared, and the snow is hard with frost and fit for 
the hoofs of horses. I must away ere more storms come. 
Hearken now : in the second week of spring, if all be well, I 
will send thee a messenger with words of token ; then shalt 
thou come down secretly to Middalhof, and there, Eric, we 
will be wed. Then, on the morrow, we will sail for England 
in a trading-ship that I shall make ready, there to seek our 
fortune.” 

“ It will be a good fortune if thou art by my side,” said 
Eric, “ so good that I doubt greatly if I may find it, for I am 
Eric the Unlucky. Swanhild must yet be reckoned with, 
Gudruda. Yes, thou art right; thou must go hence, Gudru- 
da, and that swiftly, though it grieves my heart sore to part 
with thee.” 

Then Eric called Skallagrim and bade him make things 
ready to ride down to Middalhof with the Lady Gudruda. 

This Skallagrim did swiftly, and afterwards Eric and Gu- 


262 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


druda kissed and parted, and they were sad at heart to 
part. 

Now on the fifth day from the going of Gudruda, Skalla- 
grim came back to Mosfell somewhat cold and weary. And 
he told these tidings to Eric, who could now walk and grow 
strong again, that he and Jon had ridden with Gudruda the 
Fair to Horse-Head Heights, seeing no man, and had left her 
there to go on with her thralls. He had come back also see- 
ing no man, for the weather was too cold for the men of 
Gizur to watch the fell in the snows. 

Now Gudruda came safely to Middalhof, having been elev- 
en days gone, and found that few had been to the stead, and 
that to these it had been told that she lay sick abed. Her 
secret had been well kept, and many days went by before 
Swanhild learned that Gudruda had gone up to Mosfell to 
nurse Eric, and this though she had no lack of spies. 

Thereafter Gudruda began to make ready for her flight 
from Iceland. She called in the moneys that she had out at 
interest, and with them bought from a certain chapman a 
good trading-ship which lay in its shed under the shelter of 
Westman Isles. This ship she began to make ready for sea 
so soon as the heart of the winter was broken, putting it 
about that she was minded to send her on a trading voyage 
to Scotland in the spring. And to give color to this tale she 
bought many pelts and other goods, such as chapmen deal in. 

Thus the days passed on — not so ill for Gudruda, who 
strove to fill their emptiness in making ready for the full and 
happy time ; but for Eric they were over-heavy, for he could 
find nothing to do except to sleep and eat, and think on Gu- 
druda, whom he might not see. 

For Swanhild also, sitting at Coldback, the days went not 
well. She was weary of the courting of Gizur, whom she 
played with as a cat plays with a rat, and her heart was sick 
with love, hate, and jealousy. For she well knew this, that 
Gudruda and Eric still clung to each other, and found means of 
greeting, if not of speech. At that time she was minded to 


ERIC BRIG^TEYES. 


263 


slay Eric if she might, though she would rather slay Gudruda 
if she dared. Still, she could not come at Eric, seeing that 
her folk feared to try the narrow way of Mosfell, and when 
they met him in the open they fled before him. 

Presently it came to her ears that Gudruda made a ship 
ready to sail to Scotland on a trading voyage, and she doubt- 
ed her of this tale, for she knew well that Gudruda had little 
love of trading and never thought on gain. So she set spies 
to watch the ship. Still, the slow days drew on, and the air 
grew soft with spring, and flowers showed through the snow. 

Eric sat in his mountain nest waiting tidings, and watched 
the nesting eagles wheel about the cliffs. At length news 
came. For one morn, as he rose, Skallagrim told him that a 
man would speak with him. He had come to the mountain 
in the darkness, and had lain in a dell till the breaking of the 
light, for now that the snows were melting the men of Gizur 
and Swanhild watched the pathways. 

Eric bade them bring the man to him. When he saw him 
he knew that he was a thrall of Gudruda’s, and greeted him 
well. 

What tidings ?” he asked. 

“ This, lord,” said the thrall : “ Gudruda the Fair bids me 
say that she is well and that the snows melt on the roof of 
Middalhof.” 

Now this was the signal word that had been agreed on be- 
tween Eric and Gudruda that she should send him when all 
was ready. 

“ Good,” said Eric, “ hie thee back to Gudruda the Fair 
and say that Eric Brighteyes is well, hut on Hecla the snows 
melt not.” 

By this answer he meant that he would be with her pres- 
sently, though the thrall could make nothing of it. Then 
Skallagrim asked tidings of the man, and learned that Swan- 
hild was still at Middalhof, and with her Gizur, and that they 
gave out that they were minded to make an end of waiting 
and slay Eric. 


264 


ERIC BBIGHTEYES. 


“ First snare your bird, then wring his neck,” laughed Skal- 
lagrim. 

This then Eric did : among his folk were some who, he 
knew, were not willing to sail from Iceland, and Jon, his thrall, 
was of them, for Jon loved not the angry sea. He bade these 
bide a while on Mosfell and make fires nightly on the plat- 
form of rock which is before the cave, that the spies of Gizur 
and Swanhild might be deceived by them, and think that 
Eric was yet on the fell. Then, when they heard that he had 
sailed, they were to come down and hide themselves with 
friends till Gizur and his folk rode north. But he bade two 
of the men make ready who would sail with him. 

That very night before the moon rose Eric said farewell to 
Jon and the others who stayed on Mosfell, and rode away with 
Skallagrim and the two . who went with him. They passed 
the plain of black sand in safety, and so on to Horse-Head 
Heights. Now at length, as the afternoon drew on to even- 
ing, from Stonefell’s crest they saw the Hall of Middalhof be- 
fore them, and Eric’s heart swelled within his breast. Yet 
they must wait till darkness fell before they dared enter the 
stead, lest they should be seen and notice of their coming be 
carried to Gizur and Swanhild. And this came into the mind 
of Eric, that of all the hours of his life that hour of waiting 
was the longest. Scarcely indeed could Skallagrim hold him 
'back from going down the mountain-side, he was so set on 
coming to Gudruda, whom he should wed that night. 

At length the darkness fell, and they went on. Eric rode 
swiftly down the rough mountain path, while Skallagrim and 
the two men followed, grumbling, for they feared that their 
horses would fall. At length they came to the'stead, and, rid- 
ing into the yard, Eric sprang from his horse and strode to 
the woman’s door. Now Gudruda stood within the porch, 
listening ; while he was yet some way off, she heard the clang 
of Brighteyes’ harness, and the color came and went upon 
her cheek. Then she turned and fled to the high seat of the 
hall, and sat herself down there. Two women only were left 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


265 


in Middalhof with her, and certain thralls who tended the 
kine and horses. But these slept, not in the hall, but in an 
outhouse. Gudruda had sent the rest of her people down to 
the ships to help in the lading, for it was given out that the 
vessel sailed on the morrow. She had done this that there 
might be no talk of the coming of Eric to Middalhof. 

Now Brighteyes came to the porch, and, finding the door 
wide, walked in. But Skallagrim and the men stayed with- 
out awhile, and tended the horses. A fire burned upon the 
centre hearth in the hall, and threw great shadows on the 
panelling, Eric walked on by its light, looking to left and 
right, but seeing neither man nor woman. Then a great fear 
took him lest Gudruda should be gone, or perchance slain of 
Swanhild, Groa’s daughter, and he trembled exceedingly at 
the thought. He stood by the fire, and Gudruda, w^atching 
from the shadow of the high seat, saw the dull light glow 
upon his golden helm, and a sigh of joy broke from her lips. 
Eric heard the sigh and looked, and as he looked a stick of 
pitchy drift-wood fell into the fire and flared up fiercely. Then 
he saw. There in the carven high seat, robed all in bridal 
white, sat Gudruda the Fair, his love. Her golden hair flowed 
about her breast, her white arms were stretched towards him, 
and on her sw’-eet face shone such love as he had never seen. 

“ Eric !” she whispered softly, and the breath of her voice ; 
ran down the empty panelled hall, that from all sides seemed 
to answer, “ Eric.” 

Slowly he drew near to her. He saw naught but the glory 
of Gudruda’s face and the light shining on Gudruda’s hair, he 
heard naught save the sighing of her breath, he knew naught 
except that before him sat his fair bride, won after many years. 

Now he had climbed the high seat, and now, wrapped in 
each other’s arms, they sat and gazed into each other’s eyes, 
and lo ! the air of the great hall rolled round them a sea of 
glory, and sweet voices whispered in their ears. Now Freya 
smiled upon them and led them through her gates of love, and 
they were glad that they had been born. 


266 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


Thus they were wed. 

Now the story tells that Swanhild spoke with Gizur, Ospa- 
kar’s son, at Coldback. 

“ I weary of this slow play,” she said. “ We have tarried 
here for many weeks, and Atli’s blood yet cries out for ven- 
geance ; and cries for vengeance the blood of black Ospakar, 
thy father, and the blood of many another, dead at great Eric’s 
hand.” 

“ I too weary,” said Gizur, “ and I am much needed in the 
north. I say this to thee, Swanhild, that hadst thou not so 
strictly laid it on me that Eric must die ere thou weddest me, 
I had flitted back to Swinefell before this hour, and there 
bided my time to bring Brighteyes to his end.” 

“ I will never wed thee, Gizur, till Eric be dead,” said 
Swanhild, flercely. 

“ How, then, shall we come at him?” he answered. “ We 
may not go up that mountain path, for two men can hold it 
against all our strength, and folk love not to meet Eric and 
Skallagrim in a narrow way.” 

“ The place has been ill watched,” said Swanhild. “ I am 
sure of this, that Eric has been down to Middalhof and seen 
Gudruda, my half-sister. She is shameless who still holds 
commune with him who slew her brother and my husband. 
Death should be her gUerdon, and I am minded to slay her, 
because of the shame that she has brought upon our blood.” 

“ That is a deed which thou wilt do alone, then,” said Gizur, 
“ for I will have no hand in the slaying of that fair maid — no, 
nor will any who live in Iceland !” 

Swanhild glanced at him strangely. “Hearken, Gizur,” 
she said. “Gudruda makes a ship ready to sail with goods 
to Scotland and bring a cargo thence before winter come 
again. Now, I And this strange, for never before did I know 
Gudruda turn her thoughts to trading. I think that she has 
it in her mind to sail from Iceland with this outlaw, Eric, and 
seek a home over-seas, and that I will in no wise bear.” 

“ It may be,” said Gizur, “ and I should not be sorry to see 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


267 


the last of Brighteyes, for methinks that more men will die at 
his hand before he stiffens in his barrow.” 

“ Thou art cowardly-hearted, thou son of Ospakar !” she 
said. ‘‘ Thou sayest thou lovest me and wouldst win me to 
wife ; I tell thee that there is but one road to my arms, and 
it leads over the dead corpse of Eric. Now this is my coun- 
sel : that we send the most of our men to watch that ship of 
Gudruda’s, and, when she lifts anchor, to board her and 
search, for she is already bound for sea. Also among the 
people here I have a carle who was born near to Hecla, and 
he swears this to me, that, when he was a lad, searching an 
eagle’s eyrie, he found a path by which Mosfell might be 
climbed from the north, and that in the end he came to a large 
flat place, and, looking over, saw that platform where Eric 
dwells with his thralls. But he could not see the cave be- 
cause of the overhanging brow of the rock. Now we will do 
this : Thou and I and the carle alone — no more, for I am 
not minded that our search be noised abroad — to-morrow at 
the dawn we will ride forth for Mosfell, and, passing under 
Hecla, come round the mountain and see if this path may still 
be scaled. For if so, we will return with men and make an 
end of Brighteyes.” 

This plan pleased Gizur well, and he said that it should be so. 

So, very early on the following morning, Swanhild, having 
sent many men to watch Gudruda’s ship, rode away secretly 
with Gizur and the thrall, and before it was again dawn they 
were on the northern slopes of Mosfell. It was on this same 
night that Eric went down from the mountain to wed Gudruda. 

For a while the climbing was easy, but at length they came 
to a great wall of rock, a hundred fathoms high, on which no 
fox might find a foothold, nor anything that had not wings. 

“ Here now is an end of our journey,” said Gizur, “ and I 
only pray this, that Eric ride not round the mountain ere we 
be down again.” For he did not know that Brighteyes al- 
ready rode hard for Middalhof. 

“ Not so,” said the thrall, “ if only I can find the place by 


268 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


which, some thirty summers gone, I won yonder rift, and 
through it the crest of the fell,” and he pointed to a narrow 
cleft in the face of the rock high above their heads, that was 
clothed in gray moss. 

Then he moved to the right and searched, peering behind 
stones and birch bushes, till presently he held up his hand 
and whistled. They passed along the slope, and found him 
standing by a little stream of water which welled from be- 
neath a great rock. 

“ Here is the place,” he said. 

“ I see no place,” answered Swanhild. 

“ Yet it is there, lady,” and he climbed on to the rock, 
drawing her after him. At the back of it was a hole, almost 
overgrown with moss. “ There is the path,” he said again. 

“ Then it is one that I have no mind to follow,” answered 
Swanhild. “ Gizur, go thou with the man, and see if his tale 
is true. I will bide here till ye come back.” 

Then the thrall let himself down into the hole, and after 
him went Gizur. But Swanhild sat there in the shadow of 
the rock, her chin resting on her hand, and waited. Pres- 
ently, as she sat, she saw two men ride around the base of the 
fell, and strike off to the right towards a turf booth which 
stood the half of an hour’s ride away. Now Swanhild was 
the keenest-sighted of all women of her day in Iceland, and 
when she looked on these two men she knew one of them for 
Jon, Eric’s thrall, and she knew the horse, also — it was a 
white horse with black patches, that Jon had ridden for many 
years. She watched them go till they came to the booth, and 
there it seemed to her they left their horses and entered. 

Swanhild waited upon the side of the fell for nearly two 
hours in all. Then, hearing a noise above her, she looked up, 
and there, black with dirt and wet with water, was Gizur, and 
with him was the thrall. 

“ What tidings, Gizur ?” she asked. 

“ This, Swanhild : Eric may hold Mosfell no more, for we 
have found a way to bolt the fox.” 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


269 


“ That is good news, then,” said Swanhild. “ Say on.” 

“ Yon hole, Swanhild, leads to the cleft above, having been 
cut through the cliff by fire, or perchance by water. Now up 
that, cleft a man may climb, though hardly, as by a difficult 
stair, till he come to the flat crest of the fell. Then, crossing 
the crest, on the farther side, perhaps six fathoms below him, 
he sees that space of rock where is Eric’s cave ; but he cannot 
see the cave itself, because the brow of the cliff hangs over. 
And so it is that, if any come from the cave on to the space 
of rock, it will be an easy matter to roll stones upon them 
from above and crush them.” 

Now when Swanhild heard this she laughed aloud. 

“ Eric shall mock us no more,” she said, “ and his might 
can avail nothing against rocks rolled on him from above. 
Let us back to Coldback and summon men to make an end of 
Brighteyes.” 

So they went on down the mountain till they came to the 
place where they had hidden their horses. Then Swanhild 
bethought her of Jon and the other man whom she had seen 
riding to the booth, and she told Gizur of them. 

Now,” she said, “ we will snare these birds, and per- 
chance they will twitter tidings when we squeeze them.” 

So they' turned and rode for the booth, and, drawing nigh, 
saw the two horses grazing without. Now they got off their, 
horses, and, creeping up to the booth, looked in through the 
door, which was ajar. And they saw this, that one man sat 
on the ground with his back to the door, eating stock-fish, 
while Jon made bundles of fish and meal ready to tie on the 
horses. PYr it was here that those of his quarter who loved 
Eric brought food to be carried by his men to the cave on 
Mosfell. 

Now Swanhild touched Gizur on the arm, pointing first to 
the man who sat eating the fish and then to the spear in Gizur’s 
hand. Gizur pondered awhile, for he loved not this deed. 

Then Swanhild whispered in his ear : “ Slay that man and 
seize the other ; I would learn tidings from him.” 


270 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


So Gizur cast the spear, and it passed through the man’s 
heart, and he was dead at once. Then he and the thrall leaped 
into the booth and threw themselves on Jon, hurling him to 
the ground, and holding swords over him. Now Jon ■\yas a 
man of small heart, and when he saw his plight and his fellow 
dead he was sore afraid and prayed for mercy. 

“ If I spare thee, knave,” said Swanhild, “ thou shalt do 
this : thou shalt lead me up Mosfell to speak with Eric.” 

“ That I may not do, lady,” groaned Jon ; “ for Eric is not 
on Mosfell.” 

“ Where is he then ?” asked Swanhild. 

Now Jon bethought him that he had said an ill thing, and 
answered : 

“ Nay, I know not. Last night he rode forth from Mosfell 
with Skallagrim Lamhstail.” 

“ Thou liest, knave,” said Swanhild. “ Speak, or thou shalt 
he slain.” 

“ Slay on,” groaned Jon, glancing at the swords above him 
and shutting his eyes. For, though he feared much to die, 
he had no will to make known Eric’s plans. 

“ Look not on the swords ; not thus easily shalt thou die. 
Hearken : Speak, and speak truly, or thou shalt seek Hela’s 
lap after this fashion,” and, bending down, she whispered in 
his ear, then laughed aloud. 

Now Jon grew faint with fear; his lips turned blue, and 
his teeth chattered at the thought of how he should be made 
to die. Still, he would say nothing. 

Then Swanhild spoke to Gizur and the thrall, and bade 
them bind him with a rope, tear the garments from him, and 
bring snow. This they did, and pushed the matter to the 
drawing of knives. But when he saw the steel Jon cried 
aloud that he would tell all. 

“ Now thou takest good counsel,” said Swanhild. 

Then in his fear Jon told how Eric had gone down to Mid- 
dalhof to wed Gudruda, and thence to fly with her to Eng- 
land. 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


271 


Now Swanhild was mad with wrath, for she had sooner died 
than that this thing should come about. 

“ Let us away,” she said to Gizur. “ But first slay this 
man.” 

“ Nay,” said Gizur, “ I will not do that. He has told his 
tidings ; let him go free.” 

“ Thou art chicken-hearted,” said Swanhild, who after the 
fashion of witches, had no mercy in her. “ At the least he 
shall not go hence to warn Eric and Gudruda of our coming. 
If thou wilt not slay him, then bind him and leave him.” 

So Jon was bound, and there in the booth he sat two days 
before any came to loose him. 

“ Whither away ?” said Gizur to Swanhild. 

“ To Middalhof first,” said Swanhild. 


Chapter XXIX. 

HOW WENT THE BRIDAL NIGHT. 

Now Eric and Gudruda sat silent in the high seat of the 
hall at Middalhof till they heard Skallagrim enter by the 
woman’s door. Then they came down from the high seat 
and stood hand in hand by the fire on the hearth. Skallagrira 
gave Gudruda greeting, looking at her askance, for of women 
alone did Skallagrim stand in fear. 

“ What now, lord ?” said the Baresark. 

“ Tell us thy plans, Gudruda,” said Eric, for as yet no word 
had passed between them of what they should do. 

“ This is my plan, Eric,” she answered. “ First, that we 
eat; then, that thy men take horse and ride hence through 
the night to where the ship lies, bearing word that we will be 
there at dawn when the tide serves, and bidding the mate 
make all things ready for sailing. But thou and 1 and Skal- 
lagrim will stay here till to-morrow is three hours old, and 
that because I have tidings that Gizur’s folk will search the 
ship this night. Now, when they search and find us not, they 
will go away. Then, at the dawning, thou and I and Skalla- 
grim will row on board the ship as she lies at anchor, and, 
slipping cable, put to sea before they are ware of us, and so 
bid farewell to Swanhild and our woes.” 

“Yet it is a risk for us to abide here alone,” said Eric. 

“ There is little danger,” said Gudruda ; “ nearly all of Gi- 
zur’s folk watch the ship ; and I have learned this of a spy, 
that, two days gone, Gizur, Swanhild, and one thrall rode from. 
Coldback towards Mosfell, and they have not come back yet. 
Moreover, the stead is strong, and thou and Skallagrim are 
here to guard it.” 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


273 


“ So be it, then,” quoth Eric, for indeed he had little 
thought left for anything, save Gudruda only. 

Thereafter the women came in and set meat on the board, 
and all ate. 

Now, when they had eaten, Eric bade Skallagrim fill a cup, 
and bring it to him as he sat on the high seat with Gudruda. 
This Skallagrim did ; and then, looking deep into each other’s 
eyes, Eric Brighteyes and Gudruda the Fair, Asmund’s daugh- 
ter, drank the bride’s cup. 

“ There are few guests to grace our marriage feast, hus- 
band,” said Gudruda. 

“Yet shall our vows hold true, wife,” said Eric. 

“ Ay, Brighteyes,” she answered, in life and in death, now 
and forever !” and they kissed. 

“ It is time for us to be going, methinks,” growled Skalla- 
grim to those about him. “ We are not wanted here.” 

Then the men who should go on to the ship rose, fetched 
their horses, and rode away. Also they caught the horses of 
Skallagrim, Eric, and Gudruda, saddled them, and, slipping 
their bridles, made them fast in a shed in the yard, giving 
them hay to eat. Afterwards Skallagrim made fast the men’s 
door and the women’s door, and, going to Gudruda, asked 
where he should bide the night till it was time to ride for the 
sea. 

“ In the store - chamber,” she answered, “ for there is a 
shutter of which the latch has gone. See that thou watch it 
well, Skallagrim, though I think none will come to trouble 
thee.” 

“ I know the place. It shall go ill with the head that looks 
through yonder hole,” said Skallagrim, glancing at his axe. 

Now Gudruda forgot this, that in the store-chamber were 
casks of strong ale. 

Then Gudruda bade him wake them when the morrow was 
two hours old, for Eric had neither eyes nor words except for 
Gudruda alone, and he went. 

Then the women went also to their shut bed at the end of 
18 


2U 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


the hall, leaving Brighteyes and Gudruda alone. Eric looked 
on her. 

“ Where do I sleep this night ?” he asked. 

“ Thou sleepest with me, husband,” she answered soft; “ for 
nothing shall come between us any more, except death only.” 

Now Skallagrim went to the store-room, and sat down with 
his back against a cask. His heart was heavy within him, for 
he boded no good of this marriage. Moreover, he was jeal- 
ous. But one thing in the world did Skallagrim love truly, 
and that was Eric Brighteyes, his lord. Now he knew this, 
that henceforth he must take second place', and that for one 
thought which Eric gave to him he would give ten to Gudru- 
da. Therefore Skallagrim was very sad at heart. 

“ A pest upon the women !” he said to himself, “ for from 
them comes all evil. To Swanhild and this fair wife of his 
doth Brighteyes owe his ill-luck, and that is scarcely done 
with yet. Well, well, ’tis nature ; but would that we were 
safe at sea ! Had I my will, we had not bided here this night. 
But they are newly wed, and — well, ’tis nature ! Better the 
bride loves to lie abed than to ride the cold wolds and seek 
the common deck.” 

Now, ever as he grumbled, fear gathered in his heart, he 
knew not what of. He began to think on trolls and goblins. 
It was dark in the store-room, except for a little line of light 
that crept through the crack of the shutter. At length he 
could bear the darkness and his thoughts no longer, but, ris- 
ing, threw the shutter wide and let the bright moonlight pour 
into the chamber, whence he could see the hillside behind, and 
watch the great shadows of the clouds as they floated across 
it. Again Skallagrim sat down against his cask, and as he sat 
it moved, and he heard the wash of ale inside it. 

“ That is a good sound,” said Skallagrim, and he turned 
and smelt at the cask. “ Ay, and a good smell, too ! We 
tasted a little ale yonder on Mosfell, and we shall And less at 
sea.” Again he looked at the cask. There was a spigot in 
it, and lo ! on the shelf stood horn cups. 


ERIC BRIGHTEYE8. 


275 


“ It surely is on draught,” he said ; “ and now it will stand 
till it goes sour. ’Tis pity ; hut I will not drink. I fear ale 
— ale is another man ! No, I will not drink,” and all the 
while his hand went up to the cups upon the shelf. “ Better 
is Eric laid yonder in Gudruda’s chamber than I am here 
alone with evil thoughts and trolls,” h^e said. “ Why, what 
fish was that we ate at supper ? My throat is cracked with 
thirst ! If there were water now. I’d drink it, but I see none. 
Well, one cup to wish them joy! There is little harm in a 
cup of ale,” and he drew the spigot from the cask, and 
watched the brown drink flow into the cup. Then he lifted it 
to his lips and drank, saying, “ Skoll ! skoll 1” nor did he cease 
till the horn was drained. “ This is wondrous good ale,” said 
Skallagrim, as he wiped his grizzled beard. “ One more cup, 
and evil thoughts shall cease to haunt me.” 

Again he filled, drank, sat down, and for a while he was 
merry. But presently the black thoughts came back into his 
mind. He rose, looked through the shutter hole to the hill- 
side. He could see nothing on it except the shadow of the 
clouds. 

“ Trolls walk the winds to-night,” he said. “ I feel them 
pulling at my beard. One more cup to frighten them.” 

He drank another draught of ale and grew merry. Then 
ale called for ale, and he drained cup on cup, singing as he 
drained, till at last heavy sleep took him, and he sank drunk- 
en on the ground there by the barrel,, while the brown ale 
trickled over him. 

Now Eric Brighteyes and Gudruda the Fair slept side by 
side, locked in each other’s arms. Presently Gudruda was 
wide awake. 

“Rouse, thee, Eric,” she said; “I have dreamed an evil 
dream.” 

He awoke and kissed her. 

“ What, then, was thy dream, sweet ?” he said. “ This is no 
hour for ill dreams.” 

“ No hour for ill dreams, truly, husband ; yet dreams weigh 


276 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


not the hour of their coming. I dreamed this : That I lay- 
dead beside thee and thou knewest it not, while Swanhild 
looked on thee and mocked.” 

“ An evil dream, truly,” said Eric ; “ but see, thou art not 
dead. Thou hast thought over-much on Swanhild of late.” 

Now they slept once more, till presently Eric was wide awake. 

“ Rouse thee, Gudruda,” he said, “ I, too, have dreamed a 
dream, and it is full of evil.” 

“ What, then, was thy dream, husband ?” she asked. 

“ I dreamed that Atli the Earl, whom I slew, stood by the 
bed. His face was white, and white as snow was his beard, 
and blood from his great wound ran down his byrnie. ‘ Eric 
Brighteyes,’ he said, ‘ I am he whom thou didst slay, and I 
come to tell thee this : That ere the moon be young again thou 
shalt lie stiff, with Hell-shoon on thy feet. Thou art Eric the 
Unlucky ! Take thy joy and say thy say to her who lies at 
thy side, for wet and cold is the bed that waits thee, and soon 
shall thy white lips be dumb.’ Then he was gone, and lo ! in 
his place stood Asmund, thy father, and he also spoke to me, 
saying, ‘ Thou who dost lie in my bed and at my daughter’s 
side, know this : The words of Atli are true ; but I add these 
to them : Ye shall die, yet is death but the gate of life and 
love and rest,’ and he was gone.” 

Now Gudruda shivered in fear, and crept closer to Eric’s 
side. 

“ We are surely fey, for the Norns speak with the voice of 
Atli and of Asmund,” she said. “ Oh, Eric ! Eric ! whither 
go we when we die? Will Valhalla take thee, being so 
mighty a man, and must I away to Hela’^s halls, where thou 
art not ? Oh ! that would be death, indeed ! Say, Eric, 
whither go we ?” 

“ What said the voice of Asmund ?” answered Brighteyes. 
“ That death is but the gate of life and love and rest. Heark- 
en, Gudruda, my May I Odin doth not reign over all the 
world, for when I sat out yonder in England, a certain holy 
man taught me of another god — a god who loves not slaugh- 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


2Y7 


ter, a god who died that raen might live forever in peace with 
those they love.” 

“ How is this god named, Eric ?” 

“ They name him the White Christ, and there be many who 
cling to him.” 

“ Would that I knew this Christ, Eric ! I am weary of death 
and blood and evil deeds, such as are pleasing to our gods. 
Oh, Eric, if I be taken from thee, swear this to me : that thou 
wilt slay no more, save for thy life’s sake only.” 

“ That I swear, sweet,” he made answer. “ For I too am 
weary of death and blood, and desire peace most of all things. 
The world is sad, and sad have been our days. Yet is it well 
to have lived, for through heavy days we have wandered to 
this happy night.” 

“Yea, Eric, it is well to have lived; though methinks that 
death draws on. Now this is my rede : that we rise, and that 
thou dost put on thy harness and summon Skallagrim, so that 
if evil come, thou mayst meet it armed. Surely I thought I 
heard a sound — yonder in the hall !” 

“ There is little use in that,” said Eric, “ for things will be- 
fall as they are fated. We may do nothing of our own will, 
I am sure of this, and it is small good to struggle with the 
Norns. Yet I will rise.” 

So he kissed her, and made ready to leave the bed, when 
suddenly, as he lingered, a great heaviness seized him. 

“ Gudruda,” he said, “ I am pressed down with sleep.” 

“ That I am also, Eric,” she said. “ My eyes shut of them- 
selves, and I can scarcely stir my limbs. Ah, Eric, we are fey 
indeed, and this is — death that comes !” 

“ Perchance !” he said, speaking heavily. 

“ Eric ! wake, Eric ! Thou canst not move ? Yet hearken 
unto me — ah ! this weight of sleep ! Thou lovest me, Eric ! 
— is it not so ?” 

“ Yea,” he answered. 

“ Now and forever thou lovest me — and wilt cleave to me 
always wherever we go 2” 


278 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


“Surely, sweet. Oh, sweet, farewell!” he said, and his 
voice was as the voice of one who speaks across the water. 

“ Farewell, Eric Brighteyes ! — my love^ — my love, farewell 1” 
she answered very slowly, and together they sank into a sleep 
that was heavy as death. 

Now Gizur, Ospakar’s son, and Swanhild, Atli’s widow, 
rode fast and hard from Mosfell, giving little rest to their 
horses, and with them rode that thrall who had shown the 
secret path to Gizur. They stayed awhile on Horse-Head 
Heights till the moon rose. Now one path led hence to the 
shore that is against the Westrnans, where Gudrnda’s ship lay 
bound. Then Swanhild turned to the thrall. Her beautiful 
face was fierce, and she had said few words all this while, but 
in her heart raged a fire of hate and jealousy which shone 
through her dark eyes. 

“ Hearken,” she said to the thrall. “ Thou shalt ride hence 
to the bay where the ship of Gudruda the Fair lies at anchor. 
Thou knowest where our folk lie in hiding. Thou shalt speak 
thus to them : Before it is dawn they must take boats and 
board Gudruda’s ship and search her. And if they find Eric, 
the outlaw, aboard, they shall slay him, if they may.” 

“ Then that will be no easy task,” said the thrall. 

“ And if they find Gudruda, they shall hold her prisoner. 
But if- they find neither the one nor the other, they shall do 
this : they shall drive the crew ashore, slaying as few as may 
be, and burn the ship.” 

“ It is an ill deed thus to burn another’s ship,” said Gizur. 

“ Good or ill, it shall be done,” answered Swanhild, fiercely. 
“ Thou art a lawman, and well canst thou meet the suit ; more- 
over, Gudruda has wed an outlaw, and shall suffer for her sin. 
Now go, and see thou tarry not, or thy back shall pay the 
price.” 

The man rode thence swiftly. Then Gizur turned to Swan- 
hild, asking : “ Whither, then, go we V' 

“ I have said to Middalhof.” 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


279 


“ Into the wolf’s den is that, if Eric and Skallagrim he there,” 
lie answered ; “ I have little chance against the two of them.” 

“ Nay, nor against the one, Gizur. Why, if Eric’s right 
hand were hewn from him, and he stood unarmed, he would 
still slay thee with his left, as, swordless, he slew Ospakar, 
thy father. Yet I shall find a way to come at him, if he he 
there.” 

Then they rode on, and Gizur’s heart was heavy for fear of 
Eric and Skallagrim the Baresark. So fiercely did they ride 
that within one hour after midnight they were at the stead 
of Middalhof. 

“We will leave the horses here in the field,” said Swanhild. 

So they leaped to earth, and, tying the reins of the horses 
together, left them to feed on the growing grass. Then they 
crept into the yard and listened. Presently there came a 
sound of horses stamping in the far corner of the yard. 
They went thither, and there they found a horse and two 
geldings saddled, but with the bits slipped, and on the horse 
was such a saddle as women use. 

“ Eric Brighteyes, Skallagrim Lambstail, and Gudruda the 
Fair,” whispered Swanhild, naming the horses and laughing 
evilly — “ the birds are within ! Now to snare them.” 

“ Were it not best to meet them by the ship ?” asked Gizur. 

“ Nay, thou fool ; if once Eric and Skallagrim are back to 
back, and Whitefire is aloft, how many shall be dead ere they 
be down, thinkest thou ? We shall not find them sleeping 
twice.” 

“ It is ill to slay sleeping men,’^ said Gizur. 

“ They are outlaws,” she answered. “ Hearken, Ospakar’s 
son. Thou sayest thou dost love me and wouldst wed me ; 
know this, that if thou dost fail me now, I will never look 
upon thy face again, but will name thee niddering in all men’s 
ears.” 

Now Gizur loved Swanhild sore, for she had thrown her 
glamour on him as once she did on Atli, and he thought of her 
day and night. For there was this strange thing about Swan- 


280 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


hild, that, though she was a witch and wicked, being both fair 
and gentle she could lead all men, save Eric, to love her. 

But of men she loved Eric alone. 

Then Gizur held his peace ; but Swanhild spoke again : 

“ It will be of no use to try the doors, for they are strong. 
Yet when I was a child before now I have passed in and out 
the house at night by the store-room casement. Follow me, 
Gizur.” Then she crept along in the shadow of the wall, for 
she knew its every stone, till she came to the store-room, and 
lo ! the shutter stood open, and through it the moonlight 
poured into the chamber. Swanhild lifted her head above the 
sill and looked, then started back. 

“ Hush !” she said, “ Skallagrim lies asleep within.” 

“ Pray the gods he wake not !” said Gizur beneath his 
breath, and turned to go. But Swanhild caught him by the 
arm ; then gently raised her head and looked again, long and 
steadily. Presently she turned and laughed softly. 

“ Things go well for us,” she said; “ the sot lies drunk. We 
have nothing to fear from him. He lies drunk in a pool of ale.” 

Then Gizur looked. The moonlight poured into the little 
room, and by it he saw the great form of Skallagrim. His 
head was thrown back, his mouth was wide. He loudly 
snored in his drunken sleep, and all about him ran the brown 
ale, for the spigot of the cask lay upon the floor. In his left 
hand was a horn cup, in his right he still grasped his axe. 

“Now we must enter,” said Swanhild. Gizur hung back, 
but she sprang upon the sill lightly as a fox, and slid thence 
into the store-room. Then must Gizur follow, and presently 
he stood beside her in the room, and at their feet lay drunken 
Skallagrim. Gizur looked first at his sword, then on the Bare- 
sark, and lastly at Swanhild. 

“ Nay,” she whispered, “ touch him not. Perchance he 
would cry out, and we seek higher game. He has that within 
him which shall hold him fast a while. Follow where I shall 
lead.” 

She took his hand and, gliding through the doorway, passed 


ERIC BRIGHTEYE8. 


281 


along the passage till she came to the great hall. Well could 
Swanhild see in the dark, and, moreover, she knew the road. 
Presently they stood in the empty hall. The fire had burned 
down, hut two embers yet glowed upon the hearth, like red 
and angry eyes. 

For a v/hile Swanhild stood listening, but there was noth- 
ing to hear. Then she drew near to the shut bed where Gu- 
druda slept, and, with her ear to the curtain, listened once 
more. Gizur came with her, and as he came his foot struck 
against a bench and stirred it. Now Swanhild heard mur- 
mured words and the sound of kisses. She started back, and 
fury filled her heart. Gizur also heard the voice of Eric, say- 
ing: “I will rise.” Then he would have fled, but Swanhild 
caught him by the arm. 

“ Fear not,” she whispered ; “ they shall soon sleep sound.” 

He felt her stretch out her arms, and presently he saw this 
wondrous thing : The eyes of Swanhild glowing in the dark- 
ness as the embers glowed upon the hearth. Now they 
glowed brightly, so brightly that he could see the outstretched 
arms and the hard white face beneath them ; and now they 
grew dim, of a sudden to shine bright again. And all the 
while she hissed words through her teeth. 

Thus she hissed, fierce and low : 

“ Gudruda, sister mine, hearken and sleep ! 

By the bond of blood I bid thee sleep ! 

By the strength that is in me I bid thee sleep ! 

Sleep ! sleep sound ! 

“Eric Brighteyes, hearken and sleep ! 

By the bond of sin I charge thee sleep ! 

By the blood of Atli I charge thee sleep ! 

Sleep ! sleep sound !” 

Then thrice she tossed her hands aloft, saying: 

“ From love to sleep ! 

From sleep to death ! 

From death to Hela ! 

Say, lovers, where shall ye kiss again ?” 


282 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


Then the light went out of her eyes and she laughed low. 
And ever as sh-e whispered, the spoken words of the two in 
the shut bed grew fainter and more faint, till at length they 
died aw'ay, and a silence fell upon the place. 

“ Thou hast no cause to fear the sword of Eric, Gizur,” she 
said. “ Nothing will wake him now till daylight comes.” 

“ Thou art awesome !” answered Gizur, for he shook with 
fear. “ Look not on me with those flaming eyes, I pray thee !” 

“ Fear not,” she said, “ the fire is out. Now to the work.” 

“ What must we do, then ?” 

“ This must thou do. Thou must enter and slay Eric.” 

“ That I cannot — that I will not !” said Gizur. 

She turned and looked on him, and lo ! her eyes began to 
flame again — upon his eyes they seemed to burn. 

“ Thou wilt do as I bid thee,” she said. “ With Eric’s 
sword thou shalt slay Eric, else I will curse thee where thou 
art, and bring such evil on thee as thou knowest not of.” 

“ Look not so, Swanhild,” he said. “ Lead on, I come.” 

Now they creep into the shut chamber of Gudruda. It is 
so dark that they can see nothing, and nothing can they hear 
except the heavy breathing of the sleepers. 

This is to be told, that at this time Swanhild had it in her 
mind to slay, not Eric, but Gudruda, for thus she would smite 
the heart of Brighteyes. -Moreover, she loved Eric, and while 
he lived she might yet win him ; but Eric dead would be Eric 
lost. But on Gudruda she would be bitterly avenged — Gu- 
druda, who, for all her scheming, had yet been a wife to Eric ! 

Now they stand by the bed. Swanhild puts out her hand, 
draws down the clothes, and feels the breast of Gudruda be- 
neath, for Gudruda slept on the outside of the bed. 

Then she searches by the head of the bed and finds White- 
fire which hung there, and draws the sword. 

“Here, on the outside, lies Eric,” she says to Gizur, “and 
here is Whitefire. Strike and strike home, leaving Whitefire 
in the wound.” 

Gizur takes the sword and lifts it. He is sore at heart that 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


283 


lie must do such a niddering deed, but the spell of Swanhild 
is upon him, and he may not flinch from it. Then a thought 
takes him, and he also puts down his hand to feel. It lights 
upon Gudruda’s golden hair, that hangs about her breast, and 
falls from the bed to the ground. 

“ Here is woman’s hair,” he whispers. 

“ Nay,” Swanhild answ'ers, “ it is Eric’s hair. The hair of 
Eric is long, as thou hast seen.” 

Now neither of them knew that Gudruda had shorn Eric’s 
locks when he lay sick on Mosfell, though Swanhild knows 
well that it is not Brighteyes she bids Gizur slay. 

Then Gizur, Ospakar’s son, lifts the sword, and the faint 
starlight struggling into the chamber gathers and gleams upon 
the blade. Thrice he lifts it, thrice he draws it back. Then 
with an oath he strikes — and drives it home with all his 
strength. 

From the bed beneath there comes one long sigh and a 
sound as of limbs trembling against the bed-gear. Then all 
is still. 

“ It is done !” he says, faintly. 

Swanhild puts down her hand once more. Lo ! it is wet and 
warm. Then she bends herself and looks, and behold ! the 
dead eyes of Gudruda glare up into her eyes. She can see 
them plainly, but none know what she read there. At the 
least it was something that she loved not, for she reels back 
against the panelling, then falls upon the floor. 

Presently, while Gizur stands as one in a dream, she rises, 
saying : “ I am avenged of the death of Atli. Let us hence ! 
— ah ! let us hence swiftly ! Give me thy hand, Gizur, for I 
am faint !” 

So Gizur gives her his hand and they pass thence. Pres- 
ently they stand in the store-room, and there lies Skallagriin, 
still plunged in his drunken sleep. 

“ Must I do more murder ?” asks Gizur, hoarsely. 

“ Nay,” she says. “ I am sick with blood. Leave the 
knave.” 


284 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


They pass out by the casement into the yard and so on till 
they find their horses. 

“ Lift me, Gizur ; I can no more,” says Swanhild 

He lifts her to the saddle. 

“ Whither away ?” he asks. 

“ To Coldback, Gizur, and thence to cold Death.” 

Thus did Gudruda, Eric’s bride and Asmund’s daughter, 
the fairest woman who ever lived in Iceland, die on her mar- 
riage night by the hand of Gizur, Ospakar’s son, and through 
the hate and witchcraft of Swanhild the Fatherless, her half- 
sister. 


Chapter XXX. 

HOW THE DAWN CAME. 

The dawn broke over Middalhof. Slowly tbe light gath- 
ered in the empty hall, slowly it crept into the little chamber 
where Eric slept, and Gudruda slept also with a deeper sleep. 

Now the two women came from their chamber at the far 
end of the hall, and drew near to the hearth, shivering, for the 
air was cold. They knelt by the fire, blowing at the embers 
till the sticks they cast upon them crackled to a blaze. 

“ It seems that Gudruda is not yet gone,” said one to the 
other. “ Methought she should ride forth with Eric before 
the dawn.” 

“ Newly wed lie long abed !” laughed the other. 

“ I am glad to see the blessed light,” said the first woman, 
“for last night I dreamed that once again this hall ran red 
with blood, as at the marriage feast of Ospakar.” 

“ Ah,” answered the other, “ it will be well for the South 
when Eric Brighteyes and Gudruda are gone over-sea, for 
their loves have brought much bloodshed upon the land.” 

“ Well, indeed !” sighed the first. “ Had Asmund the 
Priest never found Groa, Ban’s gift, singing by the sea, Val- 
halla had not been so full to-day. Mindest thou the day he 
brought her here ?” 

“ I mind it well,” she answered, “ though I was but a girl 
at the time. Still, when I saw those dark eyes of hers — just 
such eyes as Swanhild’s ! — I knew her for a witch, as all Finn 
women are. It is an evil world ; my husband is dead by the 
sword ; dead are both my sons, fighting for Eric ; dead is 
Unna, Thorod’s daughter ; Asmund, my lord, is dead, and 


286 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


dead is Bjorn ; and now Gudruda the Fair, whom I have 
rocked to sleep, leaves us to go over-sea. I may not go with 
her, for my daughter’s sake ; yet do I almost wish that I, too, 
were dead.” 

“ That will come soon enough,” said the other, who was 
young and fair. 

Now the witch-sleep began to roll from Eric’s heart, though 
his eyes were not yet open. But the talk of the women 
echoed in his ears, and the words “ dead !” “ dead !” “ dead !” 
fell heavily on his slumbering sense. At length he opened 
his eyes, but to shut them again, because of -a bright gleam of 
light that ran up and down something at his side. Heavily 
he wondered what this might be, that shone so keen and 
bright — that shone like a naked sword. 

Now he looked again. Yes, it was a sword which stood by 
him upon the bed, and the golden hilt was like to the hilt of 
Whitefire. He lifted up his hand to touch it, thinking that 
he dreamed. Lo ! his hand and arm were red ! 

Then he remembered, and the thought of Gudruda flashed 
into his heart. He sat up, gazing down into the shadow at 
his side. 

Presently the women at the Are heard a sound as of a great 
man falling to earth. 

“ What is that sound ?” said one. 

“ Eric leaping from his bed,” answered the other. “ He has 
slept too long, as we have also.” 

As they spoke the curtain of the shut bed was pushed 
away, and through it staggered mighty Eric in his night-gear, 
and lo ! the left side of it was red. His great eyes were wide 
with horror, open was his mouth, and his face was white as 
ice. 

He stopped, looking on them, made as though to speak, and 
could not. Then, while they shrank from him in terror, he 
turned, and, walking like a drunken man, staggered from the 
hall down that passage which led to the store-chamber. The 
door stood wide, wide stood the shutter, and on the floor. 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


287 


soaked in the dregs of ale, Skallagrim yet lay snoring, axe in 
one hand and cup in the other. 

Eric looked and understood. 

“ Awake, drunkard !” he cried, in so terrible a voice that 
the room shook. “ Awake, and look upon thy work !” 

Skallagrim sat up yawning. 

Forsooth, my head swims,” he said. “ Give me ale, I am 
athirst.” 

“.Never wilt thou look on ale again, Skallagrim, when thou 
hast seen that which I have to show !” said Eric, in the same 
dread voice. 

Then Skallagrim rose to his feet and gaped upon him. 

“ What means this, lord ? Is it time to ride ? And say ! 
why is thy shirt red with blood ?” 

“ Follow me, drunkard, and look upon thy work !” Eric said 
again. 

Then Skallagrim grew altogether sober, and, grasping his 
axe, followed after Brighteyes, sore afraid of what he might 
see. 

Down the passage they went, past the high seat of the hall, 
till they came to the curtain of the shut bed ; and after them 
followed the women. Eric seized the curtain in his hand, rent 
it from its fastenings, and cast it on the ground. Now the 
light flowed in and struck upon the bed. The light flowed in. 
It fell upon the bed, it fell upon Whitefire’s hilt and ran along 
the blade, it gleamed on a woman’s snowy breast and golden 
hair, and shone in her staring eyes — a woman who lay stiff 
and cold upon the bed, the great sword fixed within her heart. 

“ Look upon thy work, drunkard !” Eric cried again, while 
the women who peeped behind sent their long wail of woe 
echoing down the panelled hall. 

“ Hearken !” said Eric : “ while thou didst lie wallowing in 
thy swine’s sleep, foes crept in across thy carcass, and this is 
their handiwork. Yonder she lies who was my bride ! — a dead 
wife now is Gudruda the Fair, who last night was my bride ! 
This is thy work, drunkard ! and now what meed for thee ?” 


288 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


Skallagrim looked. Then he spoke hoarse and slow : 

“ What meed, lord ? But one — death !” 

Then with one hand he covered his eyes and with the other 
held out his great axe to Eric Brighteyes. 

Eric took the axe, and while the women ran thence scream- 
ing, he whirled it thrice about his head. Then he smote 
down towards the skull of Skallagrim, but even as he smote it 
seemed to him that a voice whispered in his ear : “ Thy oath !” 
— and he remembered that he had sworn to slay no more, save 
for his life’s sake. 

The mighty blow was falling and this only might he do — 
loose the axe before it clove Skallagrim in twain. He loosed, 
and away the great axe flew. It flew over the head of Skalla- 
grim, and sped like light across the wide hall, till it crashed 
through the panelling on the further side, and buried itself to 
the haft in the wall beyond. 

“ It is not for me to slay thee, drunkard ! Go, die in thy 
drink!” 

“ Then I will slay myself 1” cried the Baresark, and, rush- 
ing across the hall, he tore the great axe from its bed. 

“ Hold !” said Eric ; “ perchance there is yet a deed for thee 
to do. Then thou mayst die, if it pleases thee.” 

“ Ay,” said Skallagrim, coming back, “ perchance there is 
yet a deed to do.” 

And, flinging down the axe, Skallagrim the Baresark fell 
upon the floor and wept. 

But Eric did not weep. Only he drew Whitefire from the 
heart of Gudruda and looked on it. 

“ Thou art a strange sword, Whitefire,” he said, “ who slay- 
est both friend and foe ! Shame on thee, Whitefire ! oh, 
shame ! We swore our oath on thee and thou hast cut its 
chain 1 Now I am minded to shatter thee.” And as Eric 
looked on the great blade, lo I it hummed strangely in answer. 

“ ‘ First must thou be the death of some,’ thou sayest. Well, 
maybe, Whitefire ! But never yet didst thou drink so sweet 
a life as hers who now lies dead, nor ever shalt again.” 


ERIC BRIGHTEYE8. 


289 


Then he sheathed the sword, but neither then nor afterwards 
did he wipe the blood of Gudruda from its blade. 

“ Last night a-marrying — to-day a-buryiug,” said Eric, and 
he called to the women to bring spades. Then, having clothed 
himself, he went to the centre of the hall, and, brushing away 
the sand, broke the hard clay flooring, dealing mighty blows 
on it with an axe. Now Skallagrim, seeing his purpose, 
came to him and took one of the spades, and together they la- 
bored in silence till they had dug a grave a fathom deep. 

“ Here,” said Eric, “ here, in thine own hall where thou 
wast born and lived, Gudruda the Fair, shalt thou sleep at the 
last. And of Middalhof I say this, that none shall live there 
henceforth. It shall be haunted and accursed till the rafters 
rot and the walls fall in, making thy barrow, Gudruda.” 

Now this indeed came to pass; for none have lived at Mid- 
dalhof since the days of Gudruda the Fair, Asmund’s daugh- 
ter. It has been ruined these many years, and now it is but 
a pile of stones. 

When the grave was dug, Eric washed himself and ate some- 
what. Then he went into where Gudruda lay dead, and bade 
the women make her ready for burial. This they did. When 
she was washed and clad in a clean white robe, Eric came to 
her, and with his own hand bound the Hell-shoen on her feet 
and closed her eyes. 

It was just then that one came who ■said that the folk of 
Gizur and Swanhild had burned Gudruda’s ship, driving the 
crew ashore. 

“ It is well,” said Eric. “ We need the ship no more ; now 
hath she whom it should bear wings with which to fly.” Then 
he went in and sat down on the bed by the body of Gudruda, 
while Skallagrim crouched on the ground without, tearing at 
his beard and muttering. For the fierce heart of Skallagrim 
was broken because of that evil which his drunkenness had 
brought about. 

All day long Eric sat thus, looking on his dead lovers face, 
till the hour came round when he and Gudruda, had drunk 
19 


290 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


the bride-cup. Then he rose and kissed dead Gudruda on 
the lips, saying: 

Not thus did I look to part with thee, swe(?t ! It is ill 
that thou shouidst have gone and left me here. Natheless, 
this — I shall soon follow on thy path.” 

Then he called aloud : “ Art sober, drunkard ?” 

Skallagrim came and stood before him, saying no word. 

“ Take thou the feet of her whom thou didst bring to death 
and I will take her head.” 

So they lifted up Gudruda and bore her to the grave. Then 
Eric stood near the grave, and, taking dead Gudruda in his 
arms, looked upon her face by the light of the fire and the 
candles that were set about. 

Thrice he looked, then sang aloud : 

“ Long ago, when swept the snow-blast, 

Soft we clung and plighted troth. 

Many a year, through storm and sword-song, 

Sore I strove to win thee, sweet ! 

But last night I held thee, Fairest, 

Locked, a wife, in lover’s arms. 

Now, Gudruda, in thy death-sleep. 

Rest thou soft till Eric come ! 

“ Hence I go to wreak thy murder. 

Hissing flames of burning stead. 

Groan of spear-carles, wail of women, 

Soon shall startle through the night. 

Then on Mosfell, Kirtle Wearer, 

Eric bides the fey Death-face. 

Freed from weary life and sorrow, 

Soon we’ll kiss in Hela’s halls !” 

Then he laid her in the grave, and, having shrouded a sheet 
over her, they filled it in together, hiding Gudruda the Fair 
from the sight of men forever. 

Thereafter Eric armed himself, and this Skallagrim did also. 
Then he strode from the hah, and Skallagrim followed him. 

’ In the yard those horses were still tied that should have borne 
them to thQ ship, and on one was the saddle of Gudruda. She 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


291 


had ridden on this horse for many years, and loved it much, 
for it would follow her like a dog. Erie looked at him, then 
said aloud : 

“ Gudruda may need thee where she is, BJackmane,” for so 
was the horse named. “At the least, none shall ride thee 
more !” And he snatched the axe from the hand of Skalla- 
grim and slew the horse at a blow. 

Then they rode away, heading for Coldback. The night 
was wild and windy, and the sky dark with scudding clouds, 
through which the moon peeped out at times. Eric looked 
up, then spoke to Skallagrim : 

“ A good night for burning, drunkard !” 

“ Ay, lord ; the flames will fly briskly,” answered Skalla- 
griin. 

“ How many, thinkest thou, walked over thee, drunkard, 
when thou didst lie in the ale ?” 

“ I know not,” groaned Skallagrim ; “ but I found this in 
the soft earth without : the print of a man’s and a woman’s 
feet ; and this on the hill-side : the track of two horses rid- 
den hard.” 

“ Gizur and Swanhild, drunkard,” said Eric. “ By witch- 
craft did Swanhild cast us into deep sleep, and Gizur dealt 
the blow. Better for him that he had never been born than 
that he has lived to deal that coward’s blow !” 

Then they rode on, and when midnight was a little while 
gone they came to the stead at Coldback. Now this stead 
was roofed with turves, and the windows were barred so that 
none might pass through them. Also in the yard were fag- 
ots of birch and a stack of hay. 

Eric and Skallagrim tied their horses in a dell that is to the 
north of the stead and crept up to the house. All was still ; 
but a fire burned in the hall, and, looking through a crack, Eric 
could see many men sleeping about it. Then he made signs 
to Skallagrim, and together, very silently, they fetched hay 
and fagots, piling them against the north door of the house, 
for the wind blew from the north. Now Eric spoke to Skal- 


^92 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


lagrim, bidding him stand, axe in hand, by the south door, and 
slay those who came out when the reek began to smart them ; 
but he went himself to fire the pile. 

Now Brighteyes had made all things ready for the burning, 
when this came into his mind, that, perchance, Gizur and 
Swanhild were not within the house. But he would not hold 
his hand for this, for he was mad with grief and rage. So 
once more he made ready for the deed, when lo ! again he 
heard a voice in his ear — the voice of Gudruda, and it said 
this : 

“ Thine oath, Eric 1 Remember thine oath !” 

Then he turned, and the rage went out of his heart. 

“ Let them seek me on Mosfell,” he said. “ I will not -slay 
them secretly and by reek, the innocent and the guilty togeth- 
er.” And he strode round the house to where Skallagrim 
stood at the south door, axe aloft, and watching. 

“Does the fire burn, lord? I see no smoke,” whispered 
Skallagrim. 

“ Nay, I have made none. I will shed no more blood, save 
for my head’s sake. I leave vengeance to the Norns.” 

Now Skallagrim thought that Brighteyes w^as mad, but he 
dared say nothing. So they went to their horses, and when 
they found them Eric rode back to the house. Presently they 
drew near, and Eric bade Skallagrim stay where he was, and 
rode on to the house, and smote upon the door, just as Skal- 
lagrim once had smitten, before Eric went up to Mosfell. 

Now Swanhild lay in her shut bed; but she might not 
sleep, because of what she saw in the eyes of Gudruda. Lit- 
tle may she sleep ever again, for when she shuts her eyes once 
more she sees that which was written in the dead eyes of Gu- 
druda. So, as she lay, she heard the great blows upon the 
door, and sprang from her bed affrighted. Now there was 
tumult in the hall, for every man rose to his feet in fear, 
searching for his weapons. Again the great knocks came. 

“ It is the ghost of Eric !” cried one, for Gizur had given 
out that Eric, was dead at his hand in fair fight. 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


293 


“ Open !” said Giziir, and they opened, and there, a little 
way from the door, sat Brighteyes on a horse, great and 
shadowy to see, and behind him Skallagrim the Baresark. 

“ It is the ghost of Eric !” they cried again. 

“ I am no ghost,” said Brighteyes. “ No ghost am I, ye 
men of Swanhild. Hearken : is Gizur, the son of Ospakar, 
among you ?” 

“ Gizur is here,” said a voice ; “ hut he swore he slew thee 
last night.” 

“ Then deeply did he lie,” quoth Eric. “ Not me did Gizur 
slay ;-he slew Gudruda the Fair, as she lay asleep at my side. 
See !” and he drew Whitefire from its scabbard and held it in 
the rays of the moon that now shone out between the cloud 
rifts. “ Whitefire is red with Gudruda’s blood, Gudruda slain 
in her sleep by Gizur’s coward hand !” 

Now men murmured, for of all deeds this seemed to them 
most shameful. But Gizur, hearing, shrank back aghast. 

“ Hearken again !” quoth Eric. “ I was minded but now to 
burn you all as ye slept — ay, the firing is piled against the 
door. Still, I held my hand, for I have sworn this : to slay 
no more, save for my life alone. Now I ride hence to Mos- 
fell. Thither let Gizur come, Gizur the murderer, and Swan- 
hild the witch, and with them all who will. There I will give 
them greeting, and wipe away the blood of Gudruda from 
Whitefire’s blade.” 

‘‘ Fear not, Eric,” quoth Swanhild. “ I will come there, and 
there mayest thou slay me, if thou canst.” 

“ Against thee, Swanhild,” said Eric, “ I lift no hand. Do 
thy worst, I leave thee to thy fate and the vengeance of the 
Norns. I am no woman-slayer. But to Gizur the murderer 
I say come.” 

Then he turned and went, and with him went Skallagrim. 

“ Up, men, and cut Eric down !” cried Gizur, seeking to 
cover his shame. But no man stirred. 


Chapter XXXL 

HOW ERIC SENT AWAY HIS FOLK FROM MOSFELL. 

Now Eric and Skallagrim came to Mosfell in safety, and 
during all that ride Brigliteyes spoke no word. He rode in 
silence, and in silence Skallagrim rode after him. The heart 
of Skallagrim was broken, because of the evil which his 
drunkenness had brought, and the heart of Eric was buried 
in Gudruda’s grave. 

Now on Mosfell Eric found four of his own carles, two of 
whom had been among those that the folk of Gizur and Swan- 
hild had driven from Gudruda’s ship before they fired her. 
For no fight had been made on the ship. There also he found 
Jon, who had been loosed from his bands in the booth of one 
who had heard his cries as he rode by. Now when Jon saw 
Brighteyes, he told him all, and fell at Eric’s feet and wept 
because in his fear he had betrayed him. 

But Eric spoke no angry word to him. Stooping down, he 
raised him, saying : “ Thou wast never overstout of heart, Jon, 
and thou art little to be blamed that thou didst speak rather 
than die in torment, though perchance some had chosen so 
to die and not to speak. Now, I am a luckless man, and all 
things- happen as they are fated, and the words of Atli come 
true, as was to be looked for. The Norns, against whom none 
may stand, did but work their will through thy mouth, Jon ; 
so grieve no more for that which cannot be undone.” 

Then he turned away, but Jon wept long and loudly. 

That night Eric slept well and dreamed no dreams. But 
on the morrow he woke at dawn, and clothed himself and 
ate. Then he called his men together, and Skallagrim he also 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


295 


called. They stood before him, and Eric, drawing Whitefire, 
leaned upon it and spoke : 

“ Hearken, mates,” he said ; “ I know this, that my hours 
are short and death draws nigh. My years have been few and 
evil, and little can I read the purpose of my life. She whom 
I loved hath been slain by the witchcraft of Swanhild and the 
coward hand of Gizur the murderer, and I go to seek her 
where she waits. I am right glad to go, for now I have no 
more joy in life, being but a luckless man. It is an ill world, 
friends, and all the ways are red with blood. I have shed 
much blood, though but one life haunts me now at the last, 
and that is the life of Atli the Earl, for he was no match for 
my might, and he is dead because of my ill-doing. With my 
own blood I will wash away the blood of Atli, and then I seek 
another place, leaving naught but a tale to be told in the ingle 
when fall the winter snows. For to this end do we all come 
at the last, and it matters little if it find us at midday or at 
nightfall. In sorrow do we live, in pain and darkness do we 
die ; for this is the curse that the gods have lain upon men, 
and each must taste it in his season. But I have sworn this, 
that no more men shall die for me. Alone I will fight the 
last great fight ; for I know this : I shall not easily be over- 
come, and with my fallen foes I will tread on Bifrost Bridge. 
Therefore, farewell ! When the bones of Eric Brighteyes lie 
in barrow, or are picked of ravens on the mountain-side, Gizur 
will not trouble to hunt out those who clung to him, if, in- 
deed, Gizur shall live to tell the tale. Nor need ye fear the 
hate of Swanhild, for she aims her spears at me alone. Go, 
therefore, and, when I am dead, forget me not, and seek not 
to avenge me ; for Death, the avenger of all, will find them 
also.” 

Now Eric’s folk heard and groaned aloud, saying that they 
would die with Eric, for they loved him one and all. Only 
Skallagrim said nothing. 

Then Brighteyes spoke again : “ Hear me, comrades. If 
ye will not go, my blood be on your heads, for I will ride 


296 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


forth alone and meet the men of Gizur in the plain and fall 
there fighting.” 

Then one by one they crept thence to seek their horses in 
the dell. And each man as he went came to Eric and kissed 
his hand, then passed thence, weeping. Jon was the last to 
go, save Skallagrim only, and he was so moved that he could 
speak no word at all. ~ 

It was this Jon who, in after-years, when he was sunk in 
eld, wandered from stead to stead telling the deeds of Eric 
Brighteyes, and ever finding welcome because of his tale, till 
at length, as he journeyed, he was overtaken of a snowstorm 
and buried in a drift. For Jon, who lacked much, had this 
gift : he had a scald’s tongue. Men have always held that it 
was to the honor of Jon that he told the tale thus, hiding 
nothing, seeing that some of it is against himself. 

Now when all had gone Eric looked on Skallagrim, who 
still stood near him, axe in hand. 

“ Wherefore goest thou not, drunkard ?” he said. “ Surely 
thou wilt find ale and mead in the vales or over-sea. Here 
there is none. Hasten ; I will be alone !” 

Now the great body of Skallagrim shook with grief and 
shame, and the red blood poured up beneath his dark skin. 
Then he spoke in a thick voice : 

“ I did not think to live to hear such words from the lips of 
Eric Brighteyes. They are well earned ; yet it is unmanlv of 
thee, lord, thus to taunt one who loves thee. I would sooner 
die as Swanhild said yonder thrall should die than live to 
hearken to such words. I have sinned against thee, indeed, 
and because of my sin my heart is broken. Hast thou, then, 
never sinned, that thou wouldst tear it living from my breast 
as eagles tear a foundered horse ? Think on thine own sins, 
Eric, and pity mine ! Taunt me thus once more or bid me go 
once more, and I will go indeed ! I will go thus — on the edge 
of yonder gulf thou didst overcome me by thy naked might, 
and there 1 swore fealty to thee, Eric Brighteyes. Many a 
year have we wandered side by side, and, standing back to 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


297 


back, have struck many a blow. This I am minded to do : to 
stand by thee in the last great fight that draws on, and there 
to die with thee. I have loved no other man save thee, and I 
am too old to seek new lords. Yet, if still thou biddest me 
thus will I go ; where I swore my oath to thee, there I will end 
it. For I will lay me down on the brink of yonder gulf, as 
once I lay when thy hand was at my throat, and call out that 
thou art no more my lord and I am no more thy thrall. Then 
I will roll into the depths beneath, and by this deed of shame 
thou shalt be freed of me, Eric Brighteyes.” 

Eric looked upon the great man, he looked long and sadly. 
Then he spoke : 

“ Skallagrim Lambstail, thou hast a true heart. I, too, hav^e 
sinned, and now do I forget thy sin, although Gudruda is 
dead through thee, and because of thee I must die. Bide me 
if thou wilt, and let us fall together.” 

Then Skallagrim came to Eric, and, kneeling before him, 
took his hands and kissed them. 

“ Now I am once more a man,” he said, “ and I know this : 
we twain shall die such si great death that it will be well to 
have lived to die it !” and he arose and shouted : 

“ A hai ! A hai ! I see foes come in pride ! 

A hai ! A hai ! Valkyries ride the wind ! 

Hear the song of the sword ! 

Wliitefire is aloft — aloft ! 

Bare is the axe of the Baresark ! 

Croak, ye nesting ravens ; 

Flap your wings, ye eagles ; 

For bright is Mosfell’s cave with blood I 
Lap ! lap ! thou Gray Wolf, 

Laugh aloud, Odin ! ' 

Laugh till shake the golden doors. 

Heroes’ feet are set on Bifrost ; 

Open, ye hundred gates ! 

A hai ! A hai ! red runs the fray ! 

A hai ! A hai ! Valkyries ride the wind !” 

Then Skallagrim turned and went to clean his harness and 
the golden Helm of Eric. 


298 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


Now at Coldback Gizur spoke with Swanhild. 

“ Thou hast brought the greatest shame upon me,” he said, 
“ in that thou hast caused me to slay a sleeping woman. 
Knowest thou that my own men will scarcely speak with me ? 
I have come to this evil pass, through love of thee, that I have 
slain a sleeping woman !” 

“ It was not my fault that thou didst slay Gudruda,” an- 
swered Swanhild ; “ surely I thought it was Eric whom thy 
sword pierced ! I have not sought thy love, Gizur, and I say 
this : Go, if thou wilt, and leave me !” 

Now Gizur looked on her, and was minded to go ; but, as 
Swanhild knew well, she held him too fast in the net of her 
witcheries. 

“ Go I would, if go I might !” answered Gizur ; “ but I am 
bound to thee for good or evil, since it is fated that I shall 
wed thee.” 

“Thou wilt never wed me while Eric lives,” said Swan- 
hild. 

Now she spoke thus truthfully, and by chance, as it were, 
not as driving him on to slay Eric — for now that Gudruda 
was dead she was in two minds as to this matter, since, if she 
might, she still desired to take Eric to herself — but meaning 
that while Eric lived she would wed no other man. But he 
took it otherwise. 

“ Eric shall surely die if I may bring it about,” he an- 
swered, and went to speak with his men. 

Now all were gathered in the yard at Coldback, and that 
was a great company. But their looks were heavy because of 
this shame that Gizur, Ospakar’s son, had brought upon them 
by the slaying of Gudruda in her sleep. 

“ Hearken, comrades !” said Gizur ; “ great shame is come 
upon me because of a deed that I have done unwittingly, for 
I aimed at Eric, and I have slain Gudruda.” 

Then a certain old viking in the company, named Ketel, 
whom Gizur had hired for the slaying of Eric, spoke : 

“ Man or woman, it is a niddering deed to slay folk in their 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


299 


sleep, 'Giziir ! It is murder, and no less, and small luck can 
be hoped for from the stroke.” 

Now Gizur felt that his people looked on him askance and 
heavily, and knew it would be hard to show them that he was 
driven to this slaying against his will and by the witchcraft 
of Swanhild. So, as was his nature, he turned to guile for 
shelter, like a fox to his hole, and spoke to them with the 
tongue of a lawman ; for Gizur had great skill in speech. 

“ That tale was not all true which Eric Brighteyes told to 
you,” he said. “ He was distraught with grief, and, moreover, 
it seems, he slept, and did but wake to find Gudruda dead. 
Thus, then, it came about: I stood with the lady Swanhild, 
and was about to call aloud on Eric to arm himself and come 
forth and meet me face to face.” 

“ Then, lord, methinks thou hadst never met another foe,” 
quoth the viking Ketel, who had spoken first. 

“When of a sudden,” went on Gizur, taking no note of 
Ketel’s words, “ one clothed in white sprang from the bed and 
rushed on me. Then I, thinking that it was Eric, lifted 
sword, not to smite, but to ward him away ; but the linen 
wearer mef1}he sword and fell down dead. Then I fled, fear- , 
ing lest men should wake and trap, us, and that is all the tale. 

It was no fault of mine if Gudruda died upon the sword.” 

Thus he spoke, but still men looked doubtfully upon him ; 
for his eye was the eye of a liar, and Eric, as folk knew, lied 
not. 

“ It is ill to seek the truth between lawman’s brain and 
tongue,” said the old viking Ketel. “ Eric is no lawman, but 
a true man, and he sang another song. I would slay Eric in- 
deed, for between him and me there is a blood-feud, since my 
brother -died at his hand when, with Whitefire fo'r a crook, 
Brighteyes drove armed men like sheep in the hall of Middal- 

hof ay, and swordless, slew Ospakar. Yet I say that Eric 

is a true man, and, whether or no thou art true, Gizur the 
Lawman, that thou knowest best — thou and Swanhild the 
Fatherless, Groa’s daughter. If thou didst slay Gudruda as 


300 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


thou tellest, say how came Gudruda’s blood on Whitefire’s 
blade ? How did it chance, Gizur, that thou heldest Whitefire 
in thy hand, and not thine own sword ? Now, I tell thee this : 
either thou shalt go up against Eric and clear thyself by 
blows, or I leave thee ; and methinks there are others among 
this company who will do likewise, for we have no wish to be 
mixed up with murderers and their ill deeds.” 

“ Ay, a good word !” said many who stood by. “ Let Gizur 
go up with us to Mosfell, and there stand face to face with 
Eric, and clear himself by blows.” 

“ I ask no more,” said Gizur ; “ we will ride this night.” 

“ But much more shalt thou get, liar,” quoth Ketel to him- 
self, “ for that hour when thou lookest again on Whitefire 
shall be thy last.” 

So Gizur and Swanhild made ready to go up against Eric. 
That day they rode forth with a great company, a hundred 
and one in all, and this was their plan. They sent six men 
with that thrall’who had shown the secret path to them, bid- 
ding him guide them to the mountain-top. Then, when they 
were come thither, and heard the shouts of those who sought 
to gain the platform from the south, they were to watch till 
Eric and his folk’ came out from the cave and shoot them 
with arrows from above or crush them with stones. But if, 
perchance, Eric left the platform and came to meet his foes 
in the narrow pass, then they must let themselves down with 
ropes from the height above, and, creeping after him round 
the rock, smite him in the back. Moreover, in secret, Gizur 
made promise of a great reward of ten hundreds in silver to 
him who should' slay Eric, for he did not long to stand face 
to face with him alone. Swanhild also, in secret, made prom- 
ise of reward to those who should bring Eric to her,- l:)bund, 
but living; and she bade them do this — to bear him down 
with shields and tie him with ropes. 

So they rode away, the seven who should climb the moun- 
tain from behind going first, and on the morrow morning 
they crossed the sand and came to Mosfell. 


Chapter XXXII. 

now ERIC AND SKALLAGRIM GREW FEY. 

Now the night came down upon Mosfell, and of all nights 
this was the strangest. The air was quiet and heavy, yet no 
rain fell. It was so silent, moreover, that, did a stone slip 
upon the mountain-side or a horse neigh far off on the plains, 
the sound of it crept up the fell and was echoed from the 
crags. 

Eric and Skallagrim sat together on the open space of rock 
that is before the cave, and great heaviness and fear came into 
their hearts, so that they had no desire to sleep. 

“ Methinks the night is ghost-ridden,” said Eric, “ and I am 
fey, for I grow cold, and it seems to me that one strokes my 
hair.” 

“ It is ghost-ridden, lord,” answered Skallagrim. “ Trolls 
are abroad, and the God-kind gather to see Eric die.” 

For a while they sat in silence, then suddenly the mountain 
heaved up gently beneath them.. Thrice it seemed to heave 
like a woman’s breast, and left them frightened. 

“ Now the Dwarf-folk come from their caves,” quoth Skal- 
lagrim, “and great deeds may be looked for, since they are 
not drawn to the upper earth by a little thing.” 

Then once more they sat silent; and'.thick darkness came 
down upon the mountain, hiding the stars. 

“ Look,” said Eric, of a sudden, and he pointed to Hecla. 

Skallagrim looked, and lo ! the snowy dome of Hecla was 
aglow with a rosy flame like the light of dawn. 

“ Winter lights,” said Lambstail, sl^ddering. 

“ Death lights !” answered Eric. “ Look again 1” 


302 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


They looked, and behold ! in the rosy glow there sat three 
giant forms of fire, and their shapes were the shapes of wom- 
en. Before them was a loom of blackness that stretched 
from earth to sky, and they wove at it with threads of flame. 
They were splendid and terrible to sec. Their hair streamed 
behind them like meteon, flames, their eyes shone like light- 
ning, and their breasts gleamed like the polished bucklers of 
the gods. Fiercely they wove at the loom of blackness, and 
as they wove they sang. The voice of the one was as the 
wind whistling through the pines ; the voice of the other was 
as the sound of rain hissing on deep waters ; and the voice of 
the third was the moan of the sea. Fearfully they wove and 
loudly they sang, but w^hat they sang might not be known. 
Now grew the web and grew the woof, and lo ! a picture came 
upon the loom — a great picture writ in fire. 

Behold ! it was the semblance of a storm-awakened sea, and 
a giant ship fled before the gale — a dragon of war ; and in the 
ship were piled the corses of men, and on these lay another 
corse, as one lies upon a bed. They looked, and the face of 
the corse grew bright. It was the face of Eric, and his head 
rested upon the dead heart of Skallagrim. 

Clinging to each other, Eric and Skallagrim saw the sight 
of fear that was written on the loom of the Norns. For a 
breath they saw it. Then, with a laugh like the wail of 
wolves, the shapes of fire sprang up. They rose up and rent 
the web asunder. Then the first passed upward to the sky, 
the second southward towards Middalhof, but the third swept 
over Mosfell, so that the brightness of her flaming form shone 
on the rock where they sat by the cave, and the lightning of 
her eyes was mirrored in the byrnie of Skallagrim and on Eric’s 
golden helm. She swept past, pointing downward as she went, 
and lo ! she was gone, and once more darkness and silence lay 
upon the earth. 

Now this sight was seen of Jon the thrall also, and he told 
it in his story of the deeds of Eric. For Jon lay hid in a secret 
place on Mosfell, waiting tidings of what passed. 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


303 


For a while Eric and Skallagrim clung to each other. 
Then Skallagrim spoke. 

“We have seen the Valkyries,” he said. 

“Nay,” answered Eric, “we have seen the Norns — the 
Norns come to warn us of our doom. We shall die to-mor- 
row.” 

“ At the least,” said Skallagrim, “ we shall not die alone ; 
we had a goodly bed on yon great goblin ship, and all of our 
own slaying, methinks. It is not so ill to die thus, lord.” 

“ Not so ill,” said Eric, “ and yet I am weary cf blood and 
war, of glory, and of my strength. Now I desire rest alone. 
Light fire — I may bear this darkness no longer ; the marrow 
freezes in my bones.” 

“ Fire cRn be seen of foes,” said Skallagrim. 

“ It matters little now,” said Eric, “ we are fey-folk.” 

So Skallagrim lighted the fire, piling much brushwood and 
dry turf over it, till presently it burned up brightly, throwing 
light on all the space of rock, and heavy shadows against the 
cliff behind. They sat thus awhile in the light of the flames, 
looking towards the deep gulf, till suddenly there came a 
sound as of one who climbed the gulf. 

“ Who comes now, climbing where no man may pass ?” 
cried Eric, seizing Whitefire and springing to his feet. Pres- 
ently he sank down again with white face and staring eyes, 
and pointed at the edge of the cliff. And lo ! as he pointed 
the neck of a man rose in the shadow above the brink, and 
the hands of a man grasped the rock. But there was no head- 
on the neck. The shape of the headless man drew itself 
slowly over the brink, slowly it walked into the light towards 
the fire, then sat itself down in the glare of the flames, which 
shrank away from it as from a draught of wind. Pale with 
terror, Eric and Skallagrim looked on the headless thing and 
knew it. It was the wraith of the Baresark that Brighteyes 
had slain — the first of all the men he slew. 

“ It is my mate, Eric, whom thou didst slay years ago 
whose severed head spoke with thee,” gasped Skallagrim. 


304 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


“ It is he, sure enough,” said Eric ; “ but where may his 
head be ?” 

“ Perchance the head will come,” answered Skallagrim. 
“ He is an evil sight to see, surely. Say, lord, shall I fall 
upon him, though I love not the task?” 

“ Nay, Skallagrim, let him bide ; he does but come to warn 
us of our fate. Moreover, ghosts can be laid in one way only 
— by the hewing off of the head and the laying of it at the 
thigh. But this one has no head to hew.” 

Now as he spoke the headless man turned his neck as if to 
look. Once more there came the sound of feet, and lo ! from 
the darkness on either side men marched in. Eric and Skal- 
lagrim looked up and knew them. They were those of Ospa- 
kar’s folk whom they had slain on Horse-Head Heights ; all 
their wounds were on them, and in front of them marched 
Mord, Ospakar’s son. The ghosts gazed upon Eric and Skal- 
lagrim with cold, dead eyes ; then they, too, sat down by the fire. 
Now, once more there came the sound of feet, and from every 
side men poured in who had died at the hands of Eric and 
of Skallagrim. First came those who fell on that ship of Os- 
pakar’s which Eric sank on Westmans ; then the crew of the 
“ Raven ” who had been slain upon the sea-path. Even as the 
men died, so did each ghost come. Some had been drowned, 
and behold their harness dripped water ! Some had died of 
spear thrusts, and the spears were yet fixed in their breasts ! 
Some had fallen beneath the flash of Whitefire and the weight 
of the axe of Skallagrim, and there they sat, looking on their 
wide wounds ! 

Then came more and more. There were those whom Eric 
and Skallagrim had slain upon the seas, those who had fallen 
before them in the English wars, and all that company who 
had perished in the waters of the Pentland Firth when the 
witchcraft of Swanhild had brought the “ Gudruda ” to her 
wreck. 

“ Now here we have a goodly crew,” said Eric at length. 
“ Is it done, thinkest thou, or will Mosfell spew more dead ?” 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


305 


As be spake, lo ! the wraith of a gray -headed man drew 
near. He had but one arm, for the other was hewn from 
him, and the byrnie on his left side was red with blood. 

“ Welcome, Earl Atli !” cried Eric. “ Sit thou over against 
me, who to-morrow shall be with thee.” 

The ghost of the earl seated itself and looked on Eric with 
sad eyes, but it spake never a word. 

Then came another company, and at their head stalked 
black Ospakar. 

“ These be they who died at Middalhof,” cried Eric. “ Wel- 
come, Ospakar ! that marriage feast of thine went ill !” 

“ Now rnethinks we are overdone with trolls,” said Skalla- 
grim ; “ but lo ! here come more.” 

As he spake. Hall of Lithdale came, and with him Roll the 
Half-witted, and others. And so it went on till every man 
whom Eric and Skallagrim had slain, or who had died be- 
cause of them, or at their side, was gathered in deep ranks 
before them. 

“ Now it is surely done,” said Eric. 

“ There is yet a space,” said Skallagrim, pointing to the 
other side of the fire, “ and Hell holds many dead.” 

Even as the words left his lips there came a noise of the 
galloping of horse’s hoofs, and lo ! one clad in white rode up. 
It was a woman, for her golden hair fiowed down about her 
white arms. Then she slid from the horse and stood in the 
light of the fire, and behold ! her white robe was red with 
blood, a great sword was set in her heart, and the face and 
eves were the face and eyes of Gudruda the Fair, and the horse 
she rode was Blackmane, that Eric had slain. 

Now when Brighteyes saw her he gave a great cry. 

“ Greeting, sweet,” he said. “ I am no longer afraid, since 
thou comest to bear me company. Thou art dear to my 
sjglit — ay, even in yon death sheet. Greeting, sweet, my 
May ! I laid thee stiff and cold in the earth at Middalhof, 
but, like a loving wife, thou hast burst thy bonds and art 
come to save me from the grip of trolls. Thou art welcome, 
20 


306 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


Gudruda, Asmund’s daughter! Come, wife, sit thou at my 
side.” 

The ghost of Gudruda spake no word. She walked through 
the fire towards him, and the flames went out beneath her 
feet, to burn up again when she had passed. Then she sat 
down over against Eric and looked on him with wide and ten- 
der eyes. Thrice he stretched out his arms to clasp her, but 
their strength left ''them and they fell back to his side. It 
was as if they struck a wall of ice and were numbed of the 
bitter cold. 

“ Look, here be more,” groaned Skallagrim. 

Then Eric looked, and lo I the empty space to the left of 
the fire was filled with shadowy shapes like shapes of mist. 
Among them was Gizur, Ospakar’s son, and many a man of 
his company. There, too, was Swanhild, Groa’s daughter, 
and a toad nestled in her breast. She looked with wide eyes 
upon the eyes of dead Gudruda’s ghost, that seemed to see 
her not — and on her lovely face was set a stare of fear. Nor 
was this all ; for there, before that shadowy throng, stood 
two great shapes clad in their harness, and one was the shape 
of Eric and one the shape of Skallagrim. 

Thus, being yet alive, did these two look upon their own 
wraiths. 

Then Eric and Skallagrim cried out aloud, and their brains 
swam and their senses left them, so that they swooned. 

When they opened their eyes and life came back to them 
the fire was dead, and it was day. Nor was there any sign of 
that company which had been gathered on the rock before 
them. 

“ Skallagrim,” quoth Eric, it seems that I have dreamed a 
strange dream — a most strange dream of Norns and trolls I” 

“ Tell me thy dream, lord,” said Skallagrim. 

So Eric told all the vision, and the Baresark listened in 
silence. 

“ It was no dream, lord,” said Skallagrim, “ for I myself 
have seen the same things. Now this is in my mind, that 


ERIO BRIGHTEYES. 


307 


yonder sun is the last we shall see, for we have beheld the 
death shadows. All those who were gathered here last night 
wait to welcome us on Bifrost Bridge. And the mist shapes 
who sat there, among whom our wraiths were numbered, are 
the shapes of those who shall die in the great fight to-day. 
For days are fled and we are sped !” 

“ I would not have it otherwise,” said Eric. “ We have 
been greatly honored of the gods, and of the ghost-kind that 
are around us and above us. Now let us make ready to die 
as becomes men who have never turned back to blow, for the 
end of the story should fit the beginning, and of us there is a 
tale to tell.” 

“ A good word, lord,” answered Skallagrim ; “ I have struck 
few strokes to be ashamed of, and I do not fear to tread Bi- 
frost Bridge in thy company. Now we will wash ourselves 
and eat, so that our strength may be whole in us.” 

So they washed themselves with water, and ate heartily, 
and the first time for many months Eric was merry. For now 
that the end was at hand his heart grew light within him. 
And when they had put the desire of food from them, and 
buckled on their harness, they looked out from their moun- 
tain height, and saw a cloud of dust rise in the desert plain 
of black sand beneath, and through it the sheen of spears. 

“ Here come those of whom, if there be truth in visions, 
some few shall never go back again,” said Eric. “ Now, what 
counsel hast thou, Skallagrim ? Where shall we meet them ? 
Here on the space of rock, or yonder in the deep way of the 
cliff?” 

“ My rede is that we meet them here,” said Skallagrim, 

and cleave them down one by one as they try to turn the 
rock. They can scarcely come at us to slay us here so long 
as our arms have strength to smite.” 

“Yet they will come, though I know not how,” answered 
Eric, “ for of this I am sure, that our death lies before us. 
Here, then, we will meet them.” 

Now the cloud of dust drew nearer, and they saw that this 


308 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


was a great company which came up against them. At the 
foot of the fell the men stayed and rested a while, and it was 
not till afternoon that they began to climb the mountain. 

“ Night will be at hand before this game is played,” said 
Skallagrim. “See, they climb slowly, saving their strength, 
and yonder among them is Swanhild in a purple cloak.” 

“ Ay, night will be at hand, Skallagrim — a last long night ! 
A hundred to two — the odds are heavy ; yet some shall wish 
them heavier. Now let us bind on our helms.” 

Meanwhile Gizur and his folk crept up the paths from be- 
low. Now that thrall who knew the secret way had gone on 
with six chosen men, and already they climbed the water- 
course and drew near to the flat crest of the fell. But Eric 
and Skallagrim knew nothing of this. So they sat themselves 
down by the turning place that is over the gulf and waited, 
singing of the taking of the “ Raven ” and of the slaying in 
the stead at Middalhof, and telling tales of deeds that they 
had done. And ever the thrall and his six men climbed on 
till at length they gained the crest of the fell, and, looking 
over, saw Eric and Skallagrim beneath them. 

“ The birds are in the snare, and hark ! they sing,” said the 
thrall ; “ now bring rocks and be silent.” 

But Gizur and his people, having learned that Eric and 
Skallagrim were alone upon the mountain, pushed on. 

“ We have not much to fear from two men,” quoth Gizur. 

“ That we shall learn presently,” answered Swanhild. “ I 
tell thee this, that I saw strange sights last night, though I 
slept not. Little may I sleep, now that Gudruda is dead, for 
that which I saw in her eyes haunts me.” 

Then they went on, and the face of Gizur grew white with 
fear. 


Chapter XXXIII. 


HOW ERIC AND SKALLAGRIM FOUGHT THEIR LAST GREAT FIGHT. 

Now tlie tlirall and those with him on the crest of the fell 
heard the murmur of the company of Gizur and Swanhild as 
they won the mountain-side, though they could not see them 
because of the rocks. 

“ Now it is time to begin and knock these birds from their 
perch,” said the thrall, “ for that is an ill corner of our folk 
to turn, with Whitefire and the axe of Skallagrim waiting on 
the farther side.” 

So he balanced a great stone, as heavy as three men could 
lift, on the brow of the rock and aimed it. Then he pushed 
and let it go. With a crash it smote the platform beneath, 
two fathoms behind the spot where Eric and Skallagrim sat. 
Then it flew into the air, and, just as Brighteyes turned at the 
sound, it struck the wings of his helm 'and, bursting the 
straps, tore the golden helmpiece from his head and carried 
it away into the gulf beneath. 

Skallagrim looked up and saw what had come about. 

“ They have gained the crest of the fell,” he cried. “ Now 
we must fly into the cave or down the narrow way and hold it.” 

“ Down the narrow way, then,” said Eric, and while rocks, 
spears, and arrows rushed between and around them they 
stepped on to the stone and won the path beyond. It was 
clear, for Gizur’s folk had not yet come, and they ran to 
nearly the rhouth of it, where there was a bend in the narrow 
\vay, and stood there side by side. 

“ Thou wast nigh to death then, lord !” said Skallagrim. 

“ Headpiece is not head,” answered Eric ; “ but I wonder 


310 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


much how they won the crest of the fell. I have never heard 
tell of any path by which it might be gained.” 

“ There they are at the least,” said Skallagrim. “ Now 
this is my will, that thou shouldst take my helm. I am Bare- 
sark and put little trust in harness, but rather in my axe and 
strength alone.” 

“ I will not do that,” said Eric. “ Hearken : I hear them 
come.” 

Presently the tumult of voices and the tramp of feet grew 
clearer, and after a while Gizur, Swanhild, and men of their 
following turned the corner of the narrow way, and lo ! there 
before them — ay, within three paces of them — stood Eric and 
Skallagrim shoulder to shoulder, and the light poured down 
upon them from above. 

They were terrible to see, and the light shone brightly on 
Eric’s golden hair and Whitefire’s flashing blade, and dark 
the shadows lay on the black helm of Skallagrim and in the 
fierce black eyes beneath. 

Back surged Gizur and those with him. Skallagrim would 
have sprung upon them, but Eric caught him by the arm, 
saying : “ A truce to thy Baresark ways. Rush not and move 
not. Let us stand here till they overwhelm us.” 

Now those behind Gizur cried out to know what ailed them 
that they pushed back. 

“ This, only,” said Gizur, “ that Eric Brighteyes and Skal- 
lagrim Lambstail stand like two gray wolves and hold the 
narrow way.” 

“ Now we shall have fighting worth the telling of,” quoth 
Ketel the viking. “ On, Gizur, Ospakar’s son, and cut them 
down !” 

“ Hold I” said Swanhild ; “ first I will speak with Eric,” 
and, together with Gizur and Ketel, she passed round the cor- 
ner of the path, and came face to face with those who stood 
at bay. 

“ Now yield thee, Eric,” she cried. “ Foes are behind and 
before thee. Thou art trapped, and hast little chance of life. 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


311 


Yield thee, I say, with thy black wolf-hound, so perchance 
thou mayest find mercy even at the hands of her whose hus- 
band thou didst wrong and slay.” 

“ It is not my wont to yield, lady,” answered Eric, “ and 
less perchance is it the wont of Skallagrim. Least of all will 
we yield to thee, who, after working many ills, didst throw me 
in a witch sleep, and to him who slew the wife sleeping at my 
side. Hearken, Swanhild : here we stand, awaiting death, nor 
will we take mercy from thy hand. For know this, we shall 
not die alone. Last night as we sat on Mosfell we saw the 
Norns weave our web of fate upon their loom of darkness. 
They sat on Hecla’s dome and wove their pictures in living 
flame, then rent the web and flew upward and southward and 
westward, crying our doom to sky and earth and sea. Last 
night as we sat by the fire on Mosfell all the company of the 
dead were gathered around us — ay ! and all the company of 
those who shall die to-day. Thou wast there, Gizur the Mur- 
derer, Ospakar’s son ! thou wast there, Swanhild the Witch, 
Groa’s daughter ! thou wast there, Ketel Viking ! with many 
another man ; and there were we two also. Valkyries have 
kissed us and death draws near. Therefore, talk no more, but 
come and make an end. Greeting, Gizur ! Draw nigh ! draw 
nigh ! Out sword ! up shield ! and on, thou son of Ospakar !” 

Swanhild spake no word more, and Gizur had no word. 

“ On, Gizur ! Eric calls thee,” quoth Ketel Viking ; but Gi- 
zur slunk back, not forward. 

Then Ketel grew mad with rage and shame. He called to 
the men, and they drew near, as many as might, and looked 
doubtfully on the pair who stood before them like rocks upon 
a plain. Eric laughed aloud and Skallagrim gnawed the edge 
of his shield. Eric laughed aloud and the sound of his 
laughter rang up the rocks. 

“ We are but two,” he cried, “ and ye are many ! Is there 
never a pair among you who will stand face to face with a 
Baresark and a helmless man ?” and he tossed Whitefire high 
into the air and caught it by the hilt. 


312 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


Then Ketel and another man of his following sprang for- 
ward with an oath, and their axes thundered loud on the 
shields of Eric and of Skallagrim. But AVhitefire flickered 
up and the axe of Skallagrim crashed, and at once their knees 
were loosened, so that they sank dead. 

“ More men ! more men !” cried Eric. “ These were brave, 
but little was their might. More men for the Gray Wolf’s maw !” 

Then Swanhild lashed the folk with bitter words, and two 
of them sprang on. On. they sprang like hounds upon a deer 
at bay, and back they rolled as gored hounds roll from the 
deer’s horns. 

“ More men ! more men !” cried Eric. “ Here lie but four 
and a hundred press behind. Now great honor shall he win 
who lays Brighteyes low and brings down the helm of Skalla- 
grim.” 

Again two came on, but they found no luck, for presently 
they also were down upon the bodies of those who went be- 
fore. Now none could be found to come up against the pair, 
for they fought like Baldur and Thor, and none might touch 
them, and no harness might withstand the weight of their 
blows that shore through shield and helm and byrnie, deep 
to the bone beneath. Then Eric and Skallagrim leaned upon 
their weapons and mocked their foes sore, while they cursed 
and tore their beards with rage and shame. 

Now it is to be told that when the thrall and those with 
him saw that Eric and Skallagrim had escaped their rocks 
and spears, they took counsel, and the end of it was that they 
slid down a rope to the platform that is under the crest of the 
fell. Thence, though they could see nothing, they could hear 
the clang of blows and the shouts of those who fought and 
fell — ay ! and the mocking of Eric and of Skallagrim. 

“Now it goes thus,” said the thrall, who was a cunning 
man : “ Eric and Skallagrim hold the narrow way, and none 
can stand against them. This, then, is my rede : that we 
turn the rock and take them in the back.” 

His fellows thought this a good saying, and one by one 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


313 


they stood upon the little rock and won the narrow way. 
They crept along this till they were near Eric and Skallagrim. 
Now Swanhild, looking up, saw them and started. Skalla- 
grim noted this and glanced over his shoulder, and that none 
too soon, for, as he looked, the thrall lifted sword to smite 
the golden head of Eric. 

With a shout of “ Back to hack !” the Baresark swung 
round, and ere the sword might fall his axe was buried deep 
in the thrall’s breast. 

“ Now we must cut our path through them,” said Skalla- 
grim, “ and, if it may be, win the space that is before the cave. 
Keep them off in front, lord, and I will mind these manikins.” 

Now, Gizur’s folk, seeing what had come about, took heart 
and fell upon Eric with a rush, and those who were with the 
dead thrall rushed at Skallagrim, and there began such a fight 
as has not been known in Iceland. But the way was so nar- 
row that scarce more than one man could come to each of 
them at a time. And so fierce and true were the blows of 
Eric and Skallagrim that of those who came on few went back. 
Down they fell, and where they fell they died, and for every 
man who died Eric and Skallagrim won a pace towards the 
point of rock. Whitefire flamed so swift and swept so wide 
that it seemed to Swanhild, watching, as though three swords 
were aloft at once, and the axe of Skallagrim thundered down 
like the axe of a woodman against a tree, and those groaned 
on whom it fell as groans a falling tree. Now the shields of 
these twain were hewn through and through, and cast away, 
and their blood ran from many wounds. Still, their life was 
whole in them and they plied axe and sword with both hands. 
And ever men fell, and ever, fighting sore, they drew nearer 
to the point of rock. 

Now it was won, and now, dead or sorely wounded at the 
hands of black Skallagrim, were all the company that come 
with the thrall from over the mountain brow. Lo ! one springs 
on Eric, and behind him creeps Gizur. Whitefire leaps to 
meet the man and leaps not in vain, but Gizur smites a cow- 


314 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


ard blow at Eric’s uncovered head, and wounds him badly, so 
that he falls to his knee. 

“ Now I am smitten to the death, Skallagrim,” cries Eric. 
“ Win the rock and leave me.” Yet he rises from his knee. 

Then turns Skallagrim — Skallagrim turns, red with blood 
and terrible to see. 

’Tis but a scratch. Climb thou the rock — I follow,” he 
says, and, roaring aloud like a wounded bull, with weapon aloft 
he leaps alone upon the foe. They break before the Baresark 
rush ; they break, they fall — they are cloven by Baresark axe 
and trodden of Baresark feet ! Back they roll, leaving the way 
clear — clear save for the dead. Then Skallagrim turns also 
to the rock. 

Now Eric wipes the gore from his eyes and sees. Then, 
slowly and with a reeling brain, he steps down upon the giddy 
point. He goes near to falling, yet falls not, for now he lies 
upon the space, and creeps on hands and knees to the rock 
wall that is by the cave, and sits resting his back against it, 
Whitefire on his knee. 

Before he is well there, there comes a rush, and Skallagrim 
staggers to his side. 

“ Now we have time to breathe, lord,” he gasps. “ See, 
here is water,” and he takes a pitcher that stands by, and 
gives Eric to drink from the pool, then drinks himself and 
pours the rest of the water bn. Eric’s wound. Then new life 
comes to them, and they both stand upon their feet and win 
back their breath. 

“ We have not done so ill,” says Skallagrim, “ and we are 
yet a match for one or two. See, they come ! Say, where 
shall we meet them, lord?” 

“ Here,” quoth Eric. “ I cannot stand well upon my legs 
without the help of the rock. Now I am all unmeet for fight.” 

“ Yet shall this last stand of thine be sung of !” said Skalla- 
grim. 

Now finding none to stay them, the folk of Gizur climb 
one by one upon the rock and win the space that is beyond. 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


315 


Swanhild goes first of all, because she knows well that Eric 
will not harm her, and after her come Gizur and the others. 
But many come not, for they shall lift sword no more. 

Now Swanhild draws near and looks on tlric and mocks 
him in the fierceness of her heart and the rage of her wolf- 
love. 

“ Now,” she says, “ now are bright eyes dim eyes ! What ! 
weepest thou, Eric ?” 

“ Ay, Swanhild,” he answered. “ 1 weep tears of blood for 
those whom thou hast brought to doom.” 

She draws nearer and speaks low to him : “ Hearken, Eric. 
Yield thee ! Thou hast done enough for honor, and thou art 
not smitten to the death of yonder cowardly hound. Yield 
thee, and I will nurse thee back to health and bear thee hence, 
and together we will forget our hate and woes.” 

“Not twice may a man lie in a witch’s bed,” said Eric, 
“ and to other than thee is my troth plighted, Swanhild.” 

“ She is dead,” says Swanhild. 

“ Ay, she is dead, Swanhild ; and I go to seek her among 
the dead — I go to seek her and to find her !” 

But the face of Swanhild grew fierce as the winter sea. 

“ Thou hast put me away for the last time, Eric ! Now 
thou shalt die, as I have promised thee and as I promised 
Gudruda the fair !” 

“ So shall I the more quickly find Gudruda and lose sight 
of thy evil face, Swanhild the Harlot ! Swanhild the Mur- 
deress ! Swanhild the Witch ! For I know this : thou shalt 
not escape — thy doom draws on also ! — and haunted and ac- 
cursed shalt thou be forever ! Fare thee well, Swanhild ; we 
shall meet no more, and the hour comes when thou shalt 
grieve that thou wast ever born !” 

Now Swanhild turned and called to the folk : “ Come, cut 
down these outlaw rogues and make an end. Come, cut them 
down, for night draws on.” 

Then once more the men of Gizur closed in upon them. 
Eric smote thrice, and thrice the blow went home, then he 


316 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


could smite no more, for liis strength was spent with toil and 
wounds, and he sank upon the ground. For a while Skalla- 
grim stood ovei^ him like a she-bear o’er her young, and held 
the mob at bay. Then Gizur, watching, cast a spear at Eric. 
It entered his side through a cleft in his byrnie and pierced 
him deep. 

“ I am sped, Skallagrim Lambstail,” cried Eric, in a loud 
voice, and all folk drew back to see giant Brighteyes die. 
Now his head fell against the rock and his eyes closed. 

Then Skallagrim, stooping, drew out the spear and kissed 
Eric on the forehead. 

“ Farewell, Eric Brighteyes !” he said. “ Iceland shall 
never see such another man, and few have died so great a 
death. Tarry a while, lord ; tarry a while — I come — I 
come !” 

Then crying “ Eric ! Eric !” the Baresark fit took him, and 
once more and for the last time Skallagrim rushed screaming 
upon the foe, and once more they rolled to earth before him. 
To and fro he rushed, dealing great blows, and ever as he 
went they stabbed and cut and thrust at his side and back, 
for they dared not stand before him, till he bled from a hun- 
dred wounds. Now, having slain three more men and wound- 
ed two others, Skallagrim might no more. A moment he stood 
swaying to and- fro, then he let his axe drop, threw his arms 
high above him, and with one mighty cry of “ Eric !” fell as a 
rock falls — fell dead upon the dead. 

But Eric was not yet gone. lie opened his eyes and saw 
the fall of Skallagrim and smiled. 

“Well ended, Skallagrim !” he said, in a faint voice. 

“ Lo !” cried Gizur, “ yon outlawed hound yet lives ! Now 
I will do a needful task and make an end of him, and so shall 
Ospakar’s sword come back to Ospakar’s son.” 

“ Thou art wondrous brave now that the bear lies dying !” 
said Swanhild. 

Now it seemed that Eric heard the words, for suddenly his 
might came back to him, and he staggered to his knees and 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


01^7 

thence to his feet. Then, as folk fall from him, with all his 
strength he whirls AVhitefire round his head till it shines like 
a wheel of fire. “ Thy service is done and thou art clean of 
Gudruda’s blood — go back to those who forged thee !” Bright- 
eyes cries, and casts Whitefire from him towards the gulf. 

Away speeds the great blade, flashing like lightning through 
the rays of the setting sun, and behold ! as men watch it is 
gone — gone in mid air 1 

Since that day no such sword as Whitefire has been known 
in Iceland. 

“ Now slay thou me, Gizur,” says the dying Eric. 

Gizur comes on with little eagerness, and Eric cries aloud : 

“ Swordless I slew thy father ! — swordless, shieldless, and 
wounded to the death I will yet slay thee, Gizur the Mur- 
derer !” and with a loud cry he staggered towards him. 

Gizur smites him with his sword, but Eric kays not, and 
while men wonder he sweeps him into those great arms — ay, 
sweeps him up, lifts him from the ground, and reels on. 

Eric reels on to the brink of the gulf. Gizur sees his pur- 
pose, struggles and shrieks aloud. But the strength of the 
dying Eric is more than the strength of Gizur. Now Bright- 
eyes stands on the dizzy edge and the light of the passing 
sun flames about his head. And now, bearing Gizur with 
him, he hurls himself out into thQ gulf, and lo ! the sun 
sinks ! 

Men stand wondering, but Swanhild cries aloud : 

“Nobly done, Eric! nobly done! So I would have seen 
thee die, who of all men wast the first !” 

This, then, was the end of Eric Brighteyes the Unlucky, 
who of all warriors that have lived in Iceland was the might- 
iest, the goodliest, and the best beloved of women and of 
those who clung to him. 

Now, thereafter, on the morrow, Swanhild did this. She 
caused the body of Eric to be searched for in the cleft, and 


318 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


there they found it, floating in water, and with dead Gizur yet 
clasped in its bear-grip. Then she cleansed it and clothed it 
again in its rent armor, and bound on the Hell-shoen, and it 
was carried on horses to the sea-side, and with it were borne 
the bodies of Skallagrim Lambstail the Baresark, Eric’s thrall, 
and of all those men whom they had slain in the last great 
fight on Mosfell, that is now named Ericsfell. 

Then Swanhild drew her long dragon of war, in which she 
had come from Orkneys, from its shed over against Westman 
Isles, and, in the centre of the ship, she piled the bodies of 
the slain in the shape of a bed, and lashed them fast. And 
on this bed she laid Eric Brighteyes, and the breast of black 
Skallagrim the Baresark w’as his pillov/, and the breast of 
Gizur, Ospakar’s son, was his foot-rest. 

Then she caused the sails to be hoisted, and went alone 
aboard the long ship, the rails of which were hung with the 
shields of the dead men. 

And when at sunset the breeze freshened to a gale that 
blew from the land, she cut the cable with her own hand, and 
the ship leaped forward like a thing alive, and rushed out in 
the red light of the sunset towards the open sea. 

Now ever the gale freshened, and folk, standing on West- 
man Pleights, saw the long ship plunge past, dipping her prow 
beneath the waves and sending the w^ater in a rain of spray 
over living Swanhild, over dead Eric, and those he lay upon. 

And by the head of Eric Brighteyes, her hair streaming on 
the wind, stood Swanhild the Witch, clad in her purple cloak, 
and with rings of gold about her throat and arms. By Eric’s 
head she stood, swaying with the rush of the ship, and singing 
so sweet and wild a song that men grew weak who heard it. 

Now, even as the people watched, two white swans came 
down from the clouds and sped on wide wings side by side 
over the vessel’s mast. 

The ship rushed on through the glow of the sunset into the 
gathering night. On sped the ship, but still Swanhild sang, 
and still the swans flew over her. 


ERIC BRIGHTEYES. 


319 


The gale grew fierce, and fiercer yet. The darkness gath- 
ered deep upon the raging sea. 

Now that ship was seen no more, and the death song of 
Swanhild as she passed to doom was never heard again. 

For swans and ship, and Swanhild, and dead Eric and his 
dead foes, were lost in the wind and the night. 

But far out on the sea a great flame of fire leaped up 
towards the sky. 

Now this is the tale of Eric Brighteyes, Thorgrimur’s son : 
of Gudruda the Fair, Asmund’s daughter: of Swanhild the 
Fatherless, Atli’s wife, and of Ounound, named Skallagrim 
Lambstail, the Baresark, Eric’s thrall, all of whom lived and 
died before Thangbrand, Wilibald’s son, preached the White 
Christ in Iceland. 


THE END. 


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By CAPT. CHARLES KING 


CAMPAIGNING WITH CROOK, AND STORIES OF 
ARMY LIFE. Post 8vo, Clotli, $1 25. 

A WAR-TIME WOOING. Illustrated by R. F. Zogbaum. 
pp. iv., 196. Post 8 VO, Cloth, $1 00. 

BETWEEN THE LINES. A Story of the War. Illustrated 
by Gilbert Gaul. pp. iv-., 312. Post 8vo, Cloth, $1 25. 

In all of Captain King’s stories the author holds to lofty ideals of man- 
hood and womanhood, and inculcates the lessons of honor, generosity, 
courage, and self-control. — Literary Worlds Boston. 

The vivacity and charm which signally distinguish Captain King’s 
pen. ... He occupies a position in American literature entirely his own. 
. . . His is the literature of honest sentiment, pure and tender. — N. Y. Press. 

A romance by Captain King is always a pleasure, because he has so 
complete a mastery of the subjects with which he deals. . . . Captain 
King has few rivals in his domain. . . . The general tone of Captain King’s 
stories is higlily commendable. The heroes are simple, frank, and sol- 
dierly ; the heroines are dignified and maidenly in tlie most unconvention- 
al situations.— N. Y. 

All Captain King’s stories are full of spirit and with the true ring^bout 
them. — Philadelphia Item. 

Captain King’s stories of army life are so brilliant and intense, they 
have such a ring of true experience, and his characters are so lifelike and 
vivid that the announcement of a new one is always received with pleas- 
ure. — New Haven Palladium. 

Captain King is a delightful story-teller. — Washington Post. 

In the delineation of war scenes Captain King’s style is crisp and vig- 
orous, inspiring in the breast of the reader a thrill of genuine patriotic fer- 
vor. — Boston Commonwealth. 

Captain King is almost without a rival in the field he has chosen. . . . 
His style is at once vigorous and sentimental in the best sense of that 
word, so that his novels are pleasing to young men as well as young 
worn en . — Pittsburgh Bulletin. 

It is good to think that there is at least one man who believes that all 
the spirit of romance and chivalry has not yet died out of the world, and 
that there are as brave and honest hearts to-day as there were in the 
days of knights and paladins. — Philadelphia Record. 


Published by HARPER & BROTHERS, New York. 

5 ^^ Any of the. above works sent by mail, postage prepaid, to any part of the 
United States, Canada, or Mexico, on receipt of the price. 


HARPER’S PER 


s. 





HARPER’S MAGAZINE, One Year 
HARPER’S WEEKLY, One Year 

HARPER’S BAZAR, One Year . 4 00 

HARPER’S YOUNG PEOPLE, One Year .... 2 00 


oQS 

§ j, . 4 00 


The Volumes of the Weekly and Bazar begin with the first Numbers 
for January, the Volumes of the Young People with the first Number 
for November, and the Volumes of the Magazine with the Numbers for 
June and December of each year. 

Subscriptions will be commenced with the Number of each Periodical 
current at the time of receipt of order, except in cases where the sub- 
scriber otherwise directs. 


BOUND VOLUMES. 

Bound Volumes of the Magazine for three years hack, each Volume 
containing the Numbers for Six Months, will be sent by mail, postage 
prepaid, on receipt of $3 00 per volume in Cloth, or $5 25 in Half Calf. 

Bound Volumes of the Weekly or Bazar for three years hack, each con- 
taining the Numbers for a year, will be sent by mail, postage prepaid, on 
receipt of $7 00 per Volume in Cloth, or $10 50 in Half Morocco. 

Harper’s Young People for 1884 and 1887, handsomely bound in illu- 
minated Cloth, will be sent by mail, postage prepaid, on receipt of $3 50 
each. 

JtlF* The hound Volumes of Harper’s Young People for 1880, 1881, 1882, 1883, 1885, 1886, 1888, 1889, 
and 1890 are out of stock, and will not be reprinted. 


ADVERTISINa. 

The extent and character of the circulation of Harper’s Magazine, 
Harper’s Weekly, Harper’s Bazar, and Harper’s Young People 
render them advantageous mediums for advertising. A limited number 
of suitable advertisements will be inserted at the following rates : — In the 
Magazine, Fourth Cover Page, $1200 00; Third Cover Page, or First 
Page of advertisement sheet, $500 00; one-half of such page when whole 
page is not taken, $300 00; one-quarter of such page when whole page is 
not taken, $150 00; an Inside Page of advertisement sheet, $250 00; one- 
half oi such page, $125 00; one -quarter of such page, $62 50; smaller 
cards on inside pages, a line, $2 00: in the Weekly, Front Cover Page, 
a line, $1 75; Back Cover Page, a line, $1 50; Second Cover Page, a line, 
$1 25; Third Cover Page, a line, $1 00: in the Bazar, $1 00 a line : in 
the Young People, Cover Pages, 50 cents a line. Cuts and display 
charged the same rates for space occupied as solid matter. Schedule of 
advertising rates and discounts sent on application. Average : eight 
words to a line, twelve lines to an inch. 

Address, HARPER & BROTHERS, 

Franklin Square, New Y'ork. 


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